Theater attacker may have planned explosion

Associated Press

NASHVILLE, Tenn.

The disturbed homeless man who attacked a movie theater with a pellet gun, an ax and pepper spray also had a propane tank and lighter fluid and may have been planning to set off an explosion, authorities said Thursday.

Vincente David Montano, 29, was shot to death by a SWAT unit Wednesday during the matinee showing of “Mad Max: Fury Road” at a Nashville-area multiplex.

Metro Nashville Police spokesman Don Aaron said investigators had not established a motive for the attack, but he said Montano had been committed for psychiatric treatment at least four times, twice in 2004 and twice in 2007.

According to police reports, his mother said he had a long history of mental problems, including hearing voices.

“This individual has had significant psychiatric or psychological issues,” Aaron said.

In addition to his weapons, a backpack and a duffel bag, Montano had a canister of propane, lighter fluid and a lighter and may have intended to set off a blast, Aaron said. But he said Montano had made a gash on the canister, rendering it useless.

Police said Montano bought a ticket to the movie and went inside with his weapons. Some of the theatergoers ran out and alerted police.

Murfreesboro, Tenn., police reports from 2004 show Montano’s long history of mental problems, with his mother telling officers in one case that he heard voices telling him to do things.