Feds arrest 2 men in alleged Kenosha looting and shooting plot

PLEASANT PRAIRIE, Wis. (WISN/CNN) - Federal agents arrested two Hartville, Mo. men in Wisconsin this week after a tip they were coming to Kenosha to possibly “loot” and “pick people off.”

Criminal complaints from the FBI list a stockpile of weapons found in a La Quinta Inn hotel room and an SUV parked outside.

The FBI says on Tuesday, they were tipped off about two men driving into Kenosha from Missouri.

The text shows roommates Michael Karmo, 40, and Cody Smith, 33, in a photo captioned “This the game changer” as they packed for their trip.

The two men are facing numerous weapons charges.

Investigators said in court records that neither were legally allowed to possess guns because of criminal records.

Karmo has a long list of priors including car theft, burglary, a previous parole violation for being a felon in possession of a firearm, evading a police officer resulting in injury, receiving stolen property and drug possession.

While hotel employees say they didn’t know any details about the incident, the FBI explains they arrested Karmo and Smith in the hotel parking lot.

“I’m shocked really,” said hotel guest Thomas Hall. “I don’t know, man. People surprise you... and not in a good way these days.”

The FBI didn’t provide photos of the weapons found but did share shots of Karmo’s Facebook profile and the assault style rifles he’s posted before. Among the posts was a photo of him with the caption, “Will the real homeland security please stand up.”

According to the probable cause statement the cache of weapons, ammo and supplies found from the men’s SUV and hotel room included an AR-15, a shotgun, two handguns, a homemade silencer, a drone, tactical gear and knives.