FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 11, 2026

VENICE, Fla. – The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) arrested Giovanni Pimienta, 19, of Venice, on one count, each, of written threats to kill, threats to bomb or conduct a mass shooting and unlawful use of a two-way communication device to commit a felony.

“The swift and thorough investigative efforts of our FDLE team dismantled Pimiento’s plan to harm our community,” said FDLE Special Agent in Charge Eli Lawson. “I commend our special agents, crime intelligence analysts, forensic analysts and Special Operations Team for working cohesively to investigate and arrest Pimienta to prevent his plan from coming to fruition.”

The investigation began when an FDLE agent received information through the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) Joint Terrorism Task Force that a subject, later identified as Pimienta, was communicating with other users online about obtaining weapons and conducting a mass shooting and glorifying other mass shootings.

Investigators discovered an AI-produced video supporting his intention to conduct the mass shooting, as well as a manifesto published on social media.

On Aug. 7, FDLE special agents, crime intelligence and forensic analysts, and the Special Operations Team conducted a search warrant and seized a handgun and multiple electronic devices.

The on-scene investigation revealed Pimienta had a grievance against a local church and was planning to take hostages during a mass shooting using the handgun that agents seized.

The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, the Venice Police Department, and the FBI assisted with the investigation.

The Office of the State Attorney of the 12th Judicial Circuit is prosecuting the case.

The investigation is still active.

FDLE urges the public to report suspicious activity. You can report suspicious activity by calling 855-FLA-SAFE or 911, or by visiting the FDLE website here.

For Further Information Contact

FDLE Office of Public Information

Info@fdle.state.fl.us