A Florida man who allegedly planned a mass shooting at a strip club entered a crowded club with a handgun in his hand and a devil mask over his face, but was stopped before being mentally challenged before going to trial. I am scheduled to undergo an appraisal.
Dramatic surveillance video released by the Tampa Police Department on March 19, 2023 shows 44-year-old Michael Rudman wearing a red and black devil mask with the words “kill” and “dark one” written on his arms. was reflected.
Rudman then walked toward the entrance of the venue, holding a handgun in one hand and a flashlight in the other, when 55-year-old Manuel “Manny” Anthony Resto spotted him. It is said that
Resto thought it was a prank at first, but when he saw the gun, he moved to stop Rudman and knocked it out of his hands before the two could get into a fight.
Armed Florida man wearing devil mask gets stopped by ‘heroic’ strip club security guard: video
One of the shots struck the venue’s front door, and security was able to shake the gun out of the suspect’s hands. (Tampa Police Department)
During the fight, one shot was fired from the firearm before Resto finally grabbed the gun and pointed it at Rudman. No one was hit by bullets.
FOX 13 in Tampa reported that the suspect was in possession of several rounds of ammunition, according to the affidavit. Nine knives and other firearm accessories were found in his truck, which was parked near the front door.
“It is believed that Rudman’s intent was to commit an act of mass violence and kill multiple people inside the club,” the court filing said.
Florida man arrested after crossing crime scene tape at plane crash scene, claiming to be medical worker
Two other security guards helped Resto and restrained the suspect, identified by police as Michael Rudman, 44, to the ground until authorities arrived. (Tampa Police Department)
The department learned that Rudman had recorded 19 interactions with the Clearwater Police Department prior to the incident. He has also been arrested at least four times in Pinellas County on charges including assault on a law enforcement officer, just five months before the March 2023 incident.
In court last month, Mr. Rudman’s attorney suggested that one of his client’s previous arrests led to mental health treatment that was discontinued at some point.
His attorney also told the court that he would not request bail because he is receiving necessary mental health treatment in prison, the department said.
Florida cell phone crash victim identified
Police said they arrested Michael Rudman, 44, as he walked towards the club’s door with a flashlight in one hand and a firearm in the other. (Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office)
Rudman had missed several court appearances due to illness, and a psychiatrist was reportedly assigned to evaluate him on Monday. His next court appearance is scheduled for April.
Rudman is currently charged with aggravated assault and assault with a deadly weapon, possession of cocaine and other drug paraphernalia, and possession of a firearm under a dangerous protection order.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
The office also reported that the Hillsboro State Attorney’s Office in December requested a warrant to search Rudman’s electronic devices for information indicating he was planning a mass shooting.
Fox News Digital’s Sarah Rumpf-Whitten contributed to this report.
