Police in Boston have prevented a potential violent plot to be carried out at the 2015 Pokémon World Championships.
Two men were found on Friday to have driven from Iowa to the tournament in Boston with a number of unlicensed weapons, after being denied entry to the event on Thursday following a number of threats on social media.
They have since been arrested and charged with unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, and other firearm related offences.
The Pokémon Company has issued a statement following the arrests.
Prior to the event this weekend, our community of players made us aware of a security issue. We gathered information and gave it as soon as possible to the authorities at the John B. Hynes Veterans Memorial Convention Center who acted swiftly and spearheaded communication with the Boston Police Department. Due to quick action, the potential threat was resolved. The Pokémon Company International takes the safety of our fans seriously and will continue to ensure proper security measures are a priority.
This story is still developing, and it is understood that the FBI is assisting the Boston Police Department as the investigation continues.
Meanwhile, the rest of the Pokémon World Championships went off without a hitch, with the 2016 event confirmed to be taking place in San Francisco.