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Suspect Held After Loaded AR-15 and Knives Found in Palm Beach Airport Rental Car

Detectives have detained a 41-year-old suspect, seeking a warrant to search the vehicle for evidence of his motive

Authorities Say They Averted Major Mass Shooting Plot at Palm Beach International Airport

Overview

  • Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office deputies responded shortly after 7 a.m. on August 5 after airport operations personnel reported a suspicious individual standing beside a rental car in a restricted area
  • Officers retrieved the rental agreement from the glove compartment and discovered a fully loaded AR-15 magazine
  • A subsequent search uncovered a loaded AR-15 rifle and multiple knives concealed under a blanket on the seat
  • Michael Rodrigues, 41, was taken into custody without incident and is being interviewed by detectives with formal charges still pending
  • Authorities are pursuing a search warrant to examine additional evidence and clarify whether the incident posed any specific threat