Man Who Revealed Loaded Shotgun in Crowded Seattle New Year’s Eve Crowd Charged With Intimidation

Seattle police say a 21-year-old man who stopped on a lawn overlooking the Space Needle on New Year’s Eve and opened his coat to reveal a loaded shotgun has been arrested and charged with unlawful use of weapons to intimidate.

Marcos Campos Lezama was detained just after 7 p.m. Wednesday without incident in a densely packed, well-lit viewing area where thousands had gathered to watch the city’s fireworks. Officers say they recovered a loaded shotgun, a pistol, multiple rounds of ammunition and foam hearing protection from Lezama, who was dressed in black and wearing a red hat marked “WAR.”

Police Findings and Charges

According to the police report, the shotgun was loaded with a combination of projectiles that investigators described as consistent with someone preparing to fire at varying ranges or to defeat body armor or cover. Officers found foam ear protection in Lezama’s pockets alongside extra projectiles — an unusual combination that investigators say supported their belief he intended to use the weapons at the event.

A shotgun, pistol and ammunition recovered from Lezama during the New Year’s Eve celebration. - Seattle Police Department

Lezama held a valid concealed carry permit, authorities said. He was booked into the King County Correctional Facility on a misdemeanor charge of unlawful use of weapons to intimidate; bail was set at $10,000. Court records show he pleaded not guilty at a Friday hearing. CNN was not able to determine whether he has retained an attorney.

Investigation and Context

Detectives from the department’s criminal intelligence unit assisted patrol officers and located Lezama’s vehicle nearby. The Seattle Police arson-bomb squad swept the car for weapons or explosives and reported finding none. In their report, investigators also cited recent threats and incidents around New Year’s Eve celebrations nationally — including last year’s attack in New Orleans and a recent alleged bomb plot in Los Angeles — as context for heightened concern.

The Seattle City Attorney’s Office filed the charge; the office did not immediately respond to requests for comment.