District Attorney Krasner Announces Initial Charges Against Two Virginia Men for Convention Center Incident
By: Philadelphia Dao
Tags: Criminal Justice, Press Release, Philadelphia, Election 2020

CONTACT:

Jane Roh, 215–686–8711, jane.roh@phila.gov

PHILADELPHIA (Nov. 6, 2020) — District Attorney Larry Krasner on Friday announced weapons charges have been filed against two individuals with Virginia residency who were arrested on Thursday night near the Convention Center, where votes are being counted by election officials:

“Joshua Macias (DOB: 6/17/1978) and Antonio Lamotta (DOB: 6/3/1959), both of Chesapeake, Va., are currently in custody after being arrested by Philadelphia Police outside of the Convention Center last night. My office has charged Macias and Lamotta with VUFA 6106 — Concealed Firearm Without a License, a third-degree felony — and VUFA 6108 — Carrying a Firearm on Public Streets or Public Property, a first-degree misdemeanor.

“We will be requesting that both be held without eligibility for bail when they are arraigned later this evening, as this alarming incident is still very much under investigation regarding additional charges.

“Joshua Macias and Antonio Lamotta were arrested last night after Philadelphia Police officers spotted a silver Hummer SUV with Virginia tags parked unattended near the Convention Center. Police had earlier received information that armed individuals in a silver Hummer were heading to Philadelphia, possibly for a reason related to the ongoing canvas of votes.

“After an initial investigation determined that neither had a valid Pennsylvania firearms permit to carry, they were placed under arrest and taken into custody.

“Following further investigation, police obtained two loaded semi-automatic Beretta pistols, one semi-automatic AR-15 style rifle, and ammunition. An initial report that the rifle did not have a serial number is inaccurate; a serial number was located in the course of the investigation. Additional evidence from the Hummer was obtained and is being reviewed by local and federal investigators.

“A third individual, a woman, who appears to have been traveling with the pair, was not arrested.

“There have been no reported incidents of violence related to the election here this week, and that streak continues thanks to the quick investigative work of the Philadelphia Police. I am grateful for the continued and productive collaboration with our partners in law enforcement and city government under never-before-seen circumstances, as we ensure that every vote is counted.

“The District Attorney’s Office (DAO) Election Task Force along with the DAO Gun Crimes Strategies & Prevention Collaborative continue to collaboratively investigate this incident with Philadelphia Police, FBI, and representatives from the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Members of the public who have information about threats or crimes related to the election process are urged to contact the DAO Election Task Force at 215–686–9641.”

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The Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office is the largest prosecutor’s office in Pennsylvania, and one of the largest in the nation. It serves the more than 1.5 million citizens of the City and County of Philadelphia, employing 600 lawyers, detectives, and support staff. The District Attorney’s Office is responsible for prosecution of approximately 40,000 criminal cases annually.