Two men linked to violent threats directed over social media at people attending the Pokemon World Championships in Boston were charged with unlawful possession of several firearms and unlawful possession of ammunition on 24 August

The Boston Police Department said the men, 18-year-old Kevin Norton and 27-year-old James Stumbo, were stopped as they tried to enter the event on 20 August at Bostons Hynes Convention Center, after being alerted to the situation by security staff. The Boston Globe reported that Norton and Stumbo are being held without bail ahead of a hearing on 1 September.

Detectives learned they had toted a 12-gauge shotgun, an AR-15 rifle, several hundred rounds of ammunition, and a hunting knife, Boston police said in a statement. The men lacked a proper license to carry the guns and were arrested at a hotel in nearby Saugus on 21 August. The Pokemon championships brought playing-card and video game competitors to Boston from 21-23 August, according to its website.