A 19-year-old man from New York, currently residing in St. Petersburg, Florida, has been apprehended by law enforcement authorities for allegedly planning a subway massacre in New York City. Robert Trout III, the suspect, made chilling online statements before Thanksgiving, warning people to avoid the trains on Thursday evening as he claimed to possess 60 bullets, enough to kill 60 people.

According to a press release from the US Attorney's Office in the Middle District of Florida, Trout boasted on social media about his intention to cause mayhem and displayed multiple firearms, including two semi-automatic guns with extended clips loaded with .40-caliber ammunition. His threats, however, were intercepted by the FBI and the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office, leading to his arrest on November 22, just one day before the planned attack.

Trout, who has a history of substance abuse, is also facing a concealed weapon charge in Pinellas County for allegedly carrying a switchblade after stealing a shirt from a local Walmart. In addition, he was previously arrested in February of this year for pointing a gun at another individual during a dispute, though those charges were later dropped after he entered a pretrial diversion program.

During his first court appearance in Tampa, Trout was ordered to be held without bail pending his next hearing scheduled for December 18. If convicted of the charge of knowingly transmitting a true threat in interstate commerce, he could face up to five years behind bars.

Authorities have emphasized that the threats made by Trout are not considered credible. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) released a statement, confirming that both the NYPD and federal law enforcement agencies had stated that there were no specific credible threats to New York City or its transit system during the Thanksgiving period. The MTA expressed gratitude for the diligent work of law enforcement professionals in ensuring the safety of New Yorkers.

The NYPD has acknowledged the existence of the threats and Trout's arrest but has not provided further details at this time. Investigations are ongoing to determine the full extent of the suspect's intentions and motives.

As the trial process unfolds, the incident serves as a reminder of the vigilance and swift action taken by law enforcement agencies to prevent potential acts of violence and protect the community.