Gamers bring shotgun, assault rifle to Pokemon event

Two gunmen were arrested at the Pokemon World Championship, following a tip off that they intended to kill a contestant at the event, U.S. daily the Washington Post reported.

The event which is better known for gamers with cards and figurines, depicting the fictional characters was being held in Boston when Kevin Norton, 18, and 27-year-old James Stumbo arrived armed with an assault rifle and a shotgun.

Boston police arrested the pair on Saturday following a tip off from the event’s security, the report added.

According to police, the two published online posts announcing their intention to kill a contestant at the tournament.

Police said they thwarted a “potential tragedy” at the event that is attended by hundreds of avid Pokemon players from around the world.

Bureau of Intelligence and Analysis Commander Superintendent Paul Fitzgerald said: “This incident is a good example of private security reaching out to their local Boston police district and relaying information to detectives and BRIC analysts in order to identify the very real threat.”

Norton and Stumbo were charged with unlawful possession of firearm and ammunition.

While some members of the Pokemon community have said the police managed to avert a possible bloodbath, there are those who simply believe the incident was a ‘joke gone too far,’ the report added.