Man Busted for Deadly Mass Shooting Plot Dressed as Cop
A 32-year-old man planned to wreak havoc with mass shootings disguised as a police officer. Reed Wischhusen’s terrifying scheme included attacks on his old school and Avon and Somerset Police HQ using homemade bombs and a submachine gun.
Plot Exposed After Armed Standoff in Somerset
The shocking plan came to light after Wischhusen pointed a gun at armed officers outside his home in Wick St Lawrence near Weston-super-Mare on November 28 last year. Police shot him as he ran down the stairs, moments after a suicide attempt by shooting himself.
Wischhusen survived after officers rushed to give first aid. He spent four months in hospital before facing charges for eight firearms and explosives offences.
‘Revenge’ Document Reveals Chilling Hitlist
Investigators discovered a 1,700-word manifesto titled ‘Revenge’ where Wischhusen mapped out a “hitman style attack” targeting ten people he blamed for personal grievances. Officers found bomb-making materials, police uniforms, body armour, and Avon and Somerset badges during a raid on his property.
Among the haul were:
- A vintage lathe for converting firearms
- A drill press used to produce nearly 50 rounds of ammunition
- Chemicals, timers, pressure cookers, metal tubes, and ball bearings – all classic bomb ingredients
- Silencers, blank cartridges, primers, and live bullets
Experts confirmed that some homemade bullets and firearms were fully operational and lethal.
Defence Claims Fantasies, Not Real Plans
Wischhusen said the revenge manifesto was “just a fantasy” and denied any real intent to execute the attacks. He admitted a fascination with weapons and explosives and once hoped to join the Army’s bomb disposal unit. He also surrendered a fully operational submachine gun during a firearms amnesty.
Detective Chief Inspector Simon Dewfall branded the plot “terrifying” and praised police for their bravery and swift action. He warned of the grave consequences had Wischhusen not been stopped in time.
Specialist Prosecutor Andrew Pritchard highlighted the man’s dark obsession with mass shootings and credited the prosecution team for dismantling his plans.
Wischhusen now awaits sentencing on December 15, locked up for plotting carnage on UK soil.
