Man accused of mass shooting threats to remain jailed

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — The 22-year-old Loxahatchee man arrested last Tuesday for threats to commit mass shootings appeared at a pre-trial detention hearing Monday, where Judge Daliah H. Weiss concluded there will be no conditions for his release.

“The concern of mass danger to the community is very real,” the judge said.

Damien Allen is accused of amassing a trove of weapons, ammunition and uniforms used to impersonate law enforcement officers, including Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office (PBSO) deputies.

He is also accused of posting threats to commit mass shootings online, and is alleged to have communicated with 15-year-old Natalie Rupnow, who conducted a mass shooting at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin, on Dec. 17, 2024.

Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office

State prosecutors on Monday said the extent of Allen’s planning and actions are the reason he poses a threat to the community and should be detained before his trial.

A PBSO detective testified as well, stating that Allen purchased law enforcement patches online, then sewed them onto blank uniforms. The detective said the FBI was concerned that this was an actual deputy with PBSO.

The defense on Monday said the law enforcement uniforms were for live-action role playing with people online, on apps like Discord.

WATCH: How did Allen obtain law enforcement uniforms?

Suspect arrested with law enforcement gear. How did he obtain it?

“The nature and circumstances are so incredibly alarming,” Judge Weiss said of the case.

Allen will be held without bail for the duration of the case.