News Releases

Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced that a 25-year-old man was charged today with possession of illegal assault weapons and criminal threats.

“Los Angeles County is still reeling over the tragic mass shooting in Monterey Park,” District Attorney Gascón said. “Were it not for the brave actions of the witnesses in this case this could have also been an incredible tragedy. I want to also thank the LAPD for quickly apprehending this person and potentially saving countless lives. I have always supported gun violence prevention bills and will continue to support a nation-wide ban on assault rifles. California laws are insufficient to protect us when military grade assault rifles are readily available in our neighboring states.”

Braxton Johnson (dob 9/16/97) was charged in case BA512442 with two counts of possession of an assault weapon, one count of criminal threats and one count of solicitation of murder.

He is scheduled to be arraigned today in Department 30 of the Foltz Criminal Justice Center.

On January 31, authorities found several high-powered weapons during a search at the defendant’s high-rise apartment building in Hollywood. They found rifles magazines with high caliber ammo, a shotgun, loaded pistols, ballistic vests and a scope. Some of those weapons were allegedly loaded and staged at an angel near a glass window facing a public area.

The case remains under investigation by the Los Angeles Police Department.