Man arrested at Phoenix Comicon carrying guns, knives

The convention has since banned prop weapons.

ByABC News
May 26, 2017, 1:47 PM

— -- Editor’s note: An earlier version of this story about a man arrested at Phoenix Comicon included an image that was not related to this story. The image has been replaced.

A man in Phoenix was arrested on Thursday after he allegedly attempted to bring guns and knives into the local Comicon, Phoenix Police told ABC News.

The man, who was later identified as Mathew Sterling, 29, according to the Associated Press, was arrested on-site. He was also wearing body armor.

According to police, Sterling also made threats against authorities on social media prior to the incident.

Sterling appeared in court on Friday, according to the Associated Press, but did not have an attorney present. He spoke only briefly, AP said, after the judge advised him that further statements would not be in his best interest.

In response to the incident, Phoenix Comicon posted on Facebook about updated screenings and new rules on bringing prop weapons into the convention.

"This screening includes three dedicated access points, no longer allowing costume props within our convention or the Convention Center, and other methods as determined in conjunction with the Convention Center and Phoenix Police Department," the statement read. "We anticipate some delays as you are entering the building and we encourage you to carry as little as possible to make the process easier."

The statement added, "All costume props should be left at home, in your car, or in your hotel room. This includes costume props for staff, crew, costuming groups, panelists, and participants in the masquerade ball."