Yeah, I’m not going to make light of this. Like, at all.
On Thursday, Arizona’s Phoenix Comicon announced that they will ban all prop weapons for the rest of this year’s convention. the event’s Facebook page notes that the ban arose “as a result of recent events.”
The ban arose after the Phoenix Police Department arrested 31-year-old Matthew Sterling, who allegedly brought firearms into the con. According to law enforcement officials, Sterling called himself “the Punisher.” He allegedly threatened to kill Mighty Morphin Power Rangers star Jason David Frank, as well as law enforcement officials.
According to the police, Sterling was carrying numerous weapons, including:
- Three (3) loaded handguns
- One (1) loaded shotgun
- One (1) combat knife
- Pepper spray
- Throwing stars
- Ammunition
Sterling was also allegedly wearing body armor.
Yesterday, Frank issued a public prepared statement on the incident. During the briefing, Frank stated that he does not “personally know the person who was arrested, but I will pray for him.”
As a result of the arrest, Phoenix Comicon will ban all prop weapons for the rest of the event. The announcement on the organization’s Facebook page features a full list of banned weapons, as well as props that will be allowed at the con. The event is bringing in extra security, and implementing enhanced measures that include bag searches and magnetic wand sweeps.
Sources: Facebook (Phoenix Comiccon), ABC15
