A man who planned a series of mass shootings disguised as a police officer has been convicted of possessing firearms and explosives with intent to endanger life. Reed Wischhusen, 32, detailed his plans in a 1,700-word document titled ‘Revenge’, where he outlined his desire to carry out a “hitman style attack” on ten individuals he believed had wronged him.
Wischhusen’s plan involved attacking his former school and Avon and Somerset Police Headquarters in Portishead, using improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and a submachine gun. The alarming plot came to light when he pointed a gun at armed officers at his home in Wick St Lawrence, near Weston-super-Mare, on November 28 last year.
Although the incident and his plans were not treated as terrorism, detectives leading the investigation collaborated with Counter Terrorism Policing South West. After spending four months in the hospital, Wischhusen was charged with eight firearms and explosive offenses.
During the trial at Bristol Crown Court, the jury heard that armed officers shot Wischhusen when he ran down the stairs of his house, pointing a gun at them. Moments before, he had attempted to take his own life by firing the weapon at himself. The officers immediately provided first aid to Wischhusen after discharging their firearms, saving his life.
The search of Wischhusen’s property revealed various items related to his plans. A vintage lathe, used to convert firearms, was found in an outhouse, along with a drill press that had been used to create nearly 50 rounds of live ammunition and a silencer. In addition, a significant number of blank cartridges, primers, and unfired bullets were seized, along with chemicals, timers, metal tubes, pressure cookers, and ball bearings. Police uniforms, body armour, and Avon and Somerset Police badges were also discovered in the house.
Experts examined the items recovered and determined that some of the firearms and homemade bullets were viable and capable of causing lethal harm. The chemicals seized had the potential for making homemade bombs.
In his defence, Wischhusen claimed that the ‘Revenge’ document was merely a fantasy and that he had no intention of carrying out the plans. He admitted to having an interest in weapons and explosives and had once aspired to work for the Army’s bomb disposal unit. Wischhusen also stated that he had previously handed in firearms, including a fully operational submachine gun, during a firearms amnesty at Nailsea Police Station.
Detective Chief Inspector Simon Dewfall of the Major Crime Investigation Team described Wischhusen’s plans as terrifying and emphasised the potential consequences if he had not been apprehended. Dewfall praised the courage and dedication of the officers involved in responding to the incident and highlighted the dangers faced by law enforcement personnel on a daily basis. He thanked the community of Wick St Lawrence and partners for their support throughout the investigation.
Andrew Pritchard, Specialist Prosecutor for CPS South West, highlighted Wischhusen’s macabre interest in mass shootings and stressed the importance of stopping him before he could carry out his deadly plan. Pritchard commended the prosecution team for their efforts in dismantling Wischhusen’s account.
Following the convictions, Wischhusen is now in custody and will be sentenced on December 15.
