Arkansas Man Arrested for Alleged Walmart Shooting Threat Over Hantavirus Concerns

An Arkansas man is facing charges after allegedly threatening to conduct a mass shooting at a local Walmart. This threat was tied to fears of a possible lockdown due to a hantavirus outbreak, authorities stated.

Details of the Arrest

Aaron Bynum, 20, from Oakland, was apprehended on Friday following the alleged threats. The Marion County Sheriff’s Office reported that he faces charges including first-degree terroristic threatening and harassing communications.

The arrest came after an investigation into online threats made by Bynum on May 9. An individual playing an online video game reportedly heard Bynum threaten a shooting if the country experienced a lockdown due to hantavirus.

The FBI’s National Threat Operations Center received a tip that led to the arrest.

The tip from another player included Bynum’s gamer username and a recording of the alleged threat. This prompted authorities to subpoena the parent company of the game, identifying Bynum as the account holder.

Execution of Search and Arrest

With information provided by the FBI’s Fayetteville Field Office, local authorities conducted a search at Bynum’s home. They seized his computer and related electronic devices.

Bynum was arrested without incident and remains in custody with a bond set at $2,500. He is currently held at the Marion County Detention Center.

Hantavirus Outbreak Context

The hantavirus outbreak connected to the MV Hondius cruise ship has resulted in several people falling ill. As of May 13, the World Health Organization reported 11 cases, which include eight confirmed, two probable, and one inconclusive case. There have been three deaths associated with the outbreak, but the risk to the broader population remains low according to WHO assessments.

Canadian authorities confirmed that one out of four Canadians returning from the cruise ship tested positive for the virus.

There are parallels being drawn between this outbreak and the previous coronavirus pandemic; however, experts like Dr. Marc Siegel emphasize the difficulty in spreading hantavirus. Its transmission is not airborne and generally requires close contact with a symptomatic individual.