2 Virginia Men Charged In Philly Convention Center Threat

PHILADELPHIA, PA — Two Virginia men are facing weapons charges after they were arrested on Thursday night near the Philadelphia Convention Center, District Attorney Larry Krasner said.

Joshua Macias, 42, and Antonio Lamotta, 61, both of Chesapeake, Va., are currently in custody after being arrested by Philadelphia Police outside of the Convention Center, where votes are being counted.

Macias and Lamotta have been charged with possessing a concealed firearm without a license, and carrying a firearm on public streets.

"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," District Attorney Larry Krasner said.

Macias and Lamotta were arrested after Philadelphia Police officers spotted a silver Hummer SUV with Virginia tags parked unattended near the Convention Center. Police had earlier received a tip that armed individuals in a silver Hummer were heading to Philadelphia, possibly for a reason related to the ongoing canvas of votes, Krasner's office said.

Neither had a valid Pennsylvania firearms permit to carry, Krasner said.

Krasner said police obtained two loaded semi-automatic Beretta pistols, one semi-automatic AR-15 style rifle, and ammunition. "Additional evidence from the Hummer was obtained and is being reviewed by local and federal investigators," the district attorney said.

A woman who was traveling with the pair was not arrested.