Executive Summary
- A woman in Kenmore, NY, is under investigation for allegedly attempting to buy a gun to kill ICE agents.
- The suspect reportedly stated her intent during the background check process on two separate occasions.
- DHS and New York State Police are collaborating on the inquiry, though no charges have been filed yet.
Federal and state authorities are investigating a woman in Western New York after she allegedly attempted to purchase a firearm with the stated intent of killing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed the investigation involving a U.S. citizen in Kenmore, New York.
According to a DHS press release, the woman attempted to purchase a gun on two separate occasions. During the mandatory vetting and background check process, authorities allege she explicitly stated that she sought the weapon to "protect herself from ICE Agents, and also to kill ICE Agents."
The investigation is being conducted by New York State Police in coordination with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). When contacted for comment, a New York State Police spokesperson referred inquiries to federal authorities.
Officials have not publicly identified the woman. As of the time of reporting, there is no indication that criminal charges have been formally filed regarding the attempted purchase or the alleged threats.
DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin issued a strong statement regarding the incident. "Every day, there are more assaults, more vehicle-ramming attacks, more attempts to kill our officers. Now, we have an American citizen purchasing a gun with the intent to kill our officers," McLaughlin stated. She further emphasized that rhetoric comparing ICE personnel to historical secret police forces has real-world consequences, noting that the "violence and dehumanization" of law enforcement personnel must cease.
Investigative Outlook
This incident underscores the critical role of vetting protocols and background checks in identifying potential threats against federal law enforcement personnel. The involvement of Homeland Security Investigations alongside state police suggests authorities are treating the stated intent as a credible security concern, regardless of the immediate prosecutorial strategy. As the investigation proceeds, authorities will likely assess whether the woman’s actions meet the legal threshold for federal charges related to threats against federal officers. It is important to note that the subject of this investigation has not been charged with a crime at this time, and all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
