Police release names and photos of noncitizens suspected in foiled July 4 mass shooting

Police released the names and photos of two noncitizens suspected of planning a mass shooting on the Fourth of July in Richmond, Virginia, as well as photos of seized weapons and ammunition.

Julio Alvardo-Dubon, 52, and his roommate Rolman Balacarcel, 38, were both arrested between July 1 and July 5 after a “hero citizen” reported a tip, according to Richmond Police Chief Gerald Smith.

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Richmond Police Department

The Richmond Police Department did not respond to the Washington Examiner’s questions regarding the suspects’ country of origin, nor did it clarify the noncitizen status of Alvardo-Dubon and Balacarcel. It remains unclear whether the men were in the country legally, on a visa or as permanent residents.

After finding firearm-related evidence in plain view in their residence, police seized two assault rifles, one handgun, and 223 rounds of ammunition, releasing a photograph of the weapons Wednesday night.

Richmond Police Department

The two were charged with a felony noncitizen in possession of a firearm.

After receiving the tip on July 1, police received consent to search Alvardo-Dubon’s residence. They did not have a warrant. The weapons and ammunition were then found and subsequently seized. At that time, Alvardo-Dubon was arrested and held at Richmond City Jail.

Detectives later received information on Balacarcel’s location and arrested him in Albermarle County after obtaining a warrant. Balacarcel was not arrested until July 5, as officers did not initially have probable cause. He is in custody in Albermarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail.

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Police explained that the investigation is ongoing, with assistance from Homeland Security.