Federal agents have arrested a Santa Clara man who allegedly plotted a mass shooting for denying he had spent time in a mental institution in order to secure nearly a dozen guns.
Between October 2023 and April 2026, Clayton Girard, 27, allegedly secured 11 guns — including AR-style rifles, handguns and shotguns — from federally licensed dealers by repeatedly claiming he had never spent time in a mental institution, according to a press release issued by California’s northern district of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Police arrested Girard Oct. 22. On Nov. 6, he appeared in federal court in San Jose.
An FBI investigation into Girard’s purchases revealed that, despite his claims, in 2017, Girard spent time in a mental institution in New York. Authorities involuntarily committed him after discovering his journal, “which included detailed plans to commit a mass shooting at his school and to abduct and murder a specific acquaintance,” according to the release.
During the announcement, United States Attorney Craig H. Missakian said the incident is “precisely the kind of public safety threat that demands a quick federal response.”
The indictment alleges that Girard repeatedly made false statements on the firearm transaction record — which a potential purchaser must complete to obtain a gun from a federally licensed dealer — when he denied having been institutionalized.
During a search of Girard’s residence, federal investigators recovered 10 guns, a cache of pistol and rifle ammunition, high-capacity magazines, tactical gear and several large knives.
The charges reflect the FBI’s “unwavering commitment to preventing gun violence and potential mass shootings in our communities,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Scott R. Schelble when announcing the arrest.
Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety (DPS) and Santa Clara Police Department (SCPD) assisted with the investigation. Schelble said the case “demonstrates how early intervention and strong partnerships can stop that threat before it becomes tragedy.”
“When individuals illegally obtain firearms — especially after prior conduct indicating plans for targeted violence — it poses a serious threat to public safety,” he said.
Girard remains in federal custody. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000.
Contact David Alexander at d.todd.alexander@gmail.com
Previous Public Safety Posts:
High School Athletic Trainer Arrested on Suspicion of Sexual Battery
Sunnyvale Police Arrest Man for Machete Assault
Cupertino Day Spa Closed; Owners & Employee Accused of Operating Brothel