GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – The defense for a man who described himself as the “next mass shooter” plans to pursue an insanity defense in the federal case against him, court records show.
However, the attorney for Whittier Ives has also withdrawn his request for a competency exam, noting a similar procedure in state court determined he is competent to stand trial.
Competency refers to the defendant’s ability to understand the court proceedings and assist in his own defense. The insanity defense refers to a suspect’s mental condition at the time of the offenses alleged.
In court Tuesday, a judge ordered a psychiatric exam related to the insanity plea. The next hearings will be scheduled after the report is returned, according to defense attorney Tom Phillip.
Ives, 53, is accused of unlawfully possessing a firearm.
According to court documents, on June 4, 2022, an individual contacted the Omro Police Department and reported that Ives was loading ammunition, magazines and a long gun into his vehicle. Ives showed the individual a picture of a person on his phone and stated that he was “going to kill him, along with another person and a bunch of other people.” Ives stated he knew these individuals were, at that time, in a “club in Appleton.” Ives further stated that he “had nothing to live for” and “will be the next mass shooter.”
After receiving the tip, Omro law enforcement officers saw a vehicle matching the description of Ives’ vehicle. A traffic stop was initiated, and a search of the vehicle uncovered boxes of ammunition and numerous magazines. In addition, officers recovered a Shield Arms multicaliber SA-15 semi-automatic rifle.
If convicted of possessing the firearm, Ives faces up to 10 years of imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.
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