Man threatens stabbing spree targeting elementary kids because of school’s ‘obnoxious pride in America’

A man in Florida was taken into custody after he allegedly threatened to stab elementary school children on the first day of school.

The 22-year-old with a history of mental disorders was taken in for evaluation under Florida’s Baker Act after he reportedly planned an attack on a Tampa elementary school because of its American flag-themed painting, according to WTVT-TV.

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office issued a bulletin marked as “situational awareness” and “law enforcement sensitive” on Monday describing the plan by Andrew Ivan Aman to “stab as many children as possible” at Bellamy Elementary School.

“If adults get in the way, he planned to stab them as well,” the memo stated, noting that Aman allegedly had concealed a kitchen knife in a bag to use in his attack.

He reportedly targeted the Tampa school because of his hatred of America and “the school’s ‘obnoxious pride in America’ as illustrated by the large American flag mural on the front of the building,” the memo stated.

“He disliked the school because the exterior of the building is painted like an American flag and he has negative views of patriotism towards the United States,” Crystal Clark, the chief communications officer for the sheriff’s office, said.

The school, painted in red, white and blue and with stars and stripes, is named in honor of Francis Bellamy, who authored the Pledge of Allegiance in 1882 and lived in Tampa for seven years.

Aman was apparently on his way to the school when he was sidetracked by his roommate and told him of his plan. The roommate then contacted police who arrived at the home and determined he needed to be taken in for a medical evaluation under the provisions of the Florida Mental Health Act, which allows for the involuntary evaluation of those with mental illnesses.

No firearms were found at the residence, and Aman has not yet been charged with any crime, the news outlet reported.

“An investigation is ongoing and charges could follow,” Clark said. “However, there is currently no safety threat for students, parents, or staff of Bellamy Elementary.”

A prior arrest for aggravated battery and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon ended up with the charges being dropped against Aman when he agreed to enter a program, according to WTVT.