A man’s sinister plot to seek revenge on his former classmates and target a police headquarters has been unveiled in court. Reed Wischhusen, a 32-year-old individual from Wick St Lawrence, reportedly held a “macabre interest” in mass shootings and accumulated a cache of firearms with the intention of carrying out a heinous attack.
According to the ongoing trial at Bristol Crown Court, Mr. Wischhusen had meticulously constructed an “armoury” of homemade weapons, including pistols, sub-machine guns, and grenades. The court heard that he harbored a deep-seated desire for revenge, fueled by an obsession with notorious killers like Thomas Hamilton of Dunblane and high-profile incidents such as the Columbine Shooting.
In a chilling twist, it was revealed that Mr. Wischhusen aimed to kill 10 individuals, including former classmates, teachers, and police personnel whom he believed had wronged him. His plan involved using a modified pistol to carry out the initial murders, targeting his old school, the Priory School in Worle. Prosecutors disclosed that he had meticulously documented his intentions in a 1,700-word report, emphasizing the power of revenge as his primary motivation.
The court was presented with police body camera footage capturing the search of Mr. Wischhusen’s residence. The video footage demonstrated the shocking moment when he pointed a loaded pistol directly at two officers, leaving them traumatized and fearing for their lives. One can only imagine the sheer terror experienced by those officers in that harrowing moment.
Prosecutor Jonathan Rees KC highlighted the extent of Mr. Wischhusen’s commitment to his violent ambitions, emphasizing that the writings were “no fantasy at all.” The prosecution argued that he had taken tangible steps to realize his plans, outlining an imminent attack on the Avon and Somerset Police headquarters utilizing pressure cooker bombs and additional firearms before ultimately ending his own life.
Reed Wischhusen currently faces multiple charges, including possessing firearms with intent to endanger life and possessing prohibited weapons. While he denies certain allegations, the evidence presented paints a disturbing picture of his intentions and the potential devastation that could have ensued.
As we bear witness to this trial, it serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilant law enforcement and the immense responsibility they shoulder in keeping communities safe from such catastrophes.
FAQs
1. What charges does Reed Wischhusen face?
Reed Wischhusen is facing charges for possessing firearms with intent to endanger life, possessing prohibited weapons, having an explosive substance with intent to endanger life, possessing an explosive substance, possessing ammunition with intent to endanger life, and possessing a prohibited firearm without a certificate. He has admitted to possessing a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence, possessing a prohibited firearm, and possessing ammunition without a firearm certificate.
2. What was Mr. Wischhusen’s alleged plan?
According to evidence presented in court, Mr. Wischhusen planned to kill 10 people, including former classmates, teachers, and police staff whom he believed had wronged him. His plan involved using a converted pistol to carry out the initial murders at his old school, the Priory School in Worle. He also intended to attack the Avon and Somerset Police headquarters in Portishead with pressure cooker bombs and sub-machine guns before taking his own life.