Florida Man Accused of Planning Mass Shooting, Taking Hostages at Local Church

By Tiffany Williams –

VENICE, Fla. — A 19-year-old Florida man has been arrested after investigators say they uncovered an alleged plan to carry out a mass shooting and take hostages at a local church, along with an AI-produced video supporting his intentions and a manifesto posted on social media.

Giovanni Pimienta, 19, of Venice, faces one count each of written threats to kill, threats to bomb or conduct a mass shooting and unlawful use of a two-way communication device to commit a felony, according to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

The investigation began after an FDLE agent received information through the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force about an individual who authorities later identified as Pimienta.

Investigators say Pimienta was communicating online with other users about obtaining weapons and conducting a mass shooting while also glorifying other mass shootings.

As investigators dug deeper, authorities say they discovered an AI-produced video supporting Pimienta’s alleged intention to carry out the shooting.

They also discovered a manifesto published on social media.

The investigation escalated Aug. 7 when FDLE special agents, crime intelligence and forensic analysts, along with the agency’s Special Operations Team, executed a search warrant.

Authorities seized a handgun and multiple electronic devices.

Investigators say what they uncovered during the on-scene investigation revealed a specific target and an alleged plan that went beyond online discussions.

According to FDLE, Pimienta had a grievance against a local church and was allegedly planning to take hostages during a mass shooting.

Authorities say the handgun seized during the search was the weapon Pimienta allegedly planned to use.

The information released by FDLE did not identify the church, describe when the alleged attack was supposed to occur or indicate that Pimienta had carried out an attack.

The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, Venice Police Department and FBI assisted FDLE with the investigation.

The Office of the State Attorney for Florida’s 12th Judicial Circuit is prosecuting the case.

The investigation remains active.

Pimienta has been arrested and charged. The allegations against him have not been proven in court.