Foster City steps up security after weapons seizure

Mayor Sam Hindi said the security measures are also a reaction to an increasingly hostile environment in the city. And Joseph Holmes, the man who was arrested for possessing the illegal weapons, contributed to that hostility, particularly in comments Hindi alleged he made on social media and at public meetings. 

“Given what’s going on in certain groups about slander, character assassinations and misinformation — when you see that combined with weapons it makes you worry. You have to take precautions,” he said. “[Holmes] was always hostile, but I don’t know if he had any intention to act. … I felt there are warning signs that should not be ignored.”

Hindi noted that Holmes’ alleged comments, while hostile, did not amount to threats.  

Councilman Sanjay Gehani said safety concerns are valid, but does not want to draw conclusions about the weapons seizure.

“We don’t know the full story and I don’t want to pass judgment on anything while we’re learning more about the incident, but there were concerns raised so we took those concerns under consideration and I think staff reacted appropriately,” he said. “We should all feel comfortable and do whatever it takes.”

Gehani also disagrees that there is a growing sense of hostility in the community.

“Absolutely not. I don’t sense that at all in my community,” he said. “I think this is something totally different and I don’t believe by any stretch of the imagination this is affiliated with the concerns some residents have raised.”

Holmes, 41, was taken into custody after crews with the Contra Costa Anti-Violence Support Effort found the illegal firearms, some of which had been modified, in his home. Earlier in the year, CASE was tipped off that a person had obtained Glock conversion switches, which allow pistols to fire in automatic mode, according to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office. CASE’s investigation led them to Holmes’ residence, where they found Glock switches, assault pistols and rifles, ammunition and a machine gun with a silencer and grenade launcher attached, sheriff’s officials said. 

Holmes’ case is being handled by the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office. A message on a Foster City phone number for Joseph Holmes was not returned.

The council on Monday will consider approving 22 units of workforce housing for city employees, among other agenda items. The proposal is one facet of a controversial residential development known as Pilgrim Triton Phase C.

zachary@smdailyjournal.com

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