Staff Report
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – In a startling incident this morning, 26-year-old Muhammad Kishta was taken into custody after allegedly threatening his roommate with a firearm, demanding a “confession to his god, Muhammad.”
Earlier in the day, officers from the Gainesville Police Department had interacted with Kishta. He had dialed 911, insisting on a face-to-face meeting with law enforcement. The officer responded to the Windsor Park apartment at 3705 SW 27th St., where Kishta claimed he was under surveillance through cameras and computers. He spoke of philosopher’s stones and curses, requesting to be arrested for his own protection and expressed a desire to be dispatched to the military.
The officer, concerned about Kishta’s mental state, called in a mental health co-responder team. However, before their arrival, a neighbor called 911, reporting an argument from the adjacent apartment. She overheard a man saying, “I don’t want to pull the trigger, I’m not here to pull the trigger,” followed by, “Shut the f*** up,” although she did not hear another voice.
Returning to the scene alongside the mental health team, the officer heard Kishta shouting from inside the apartment. Upon knocking, Kishta allegedly opened the door, holding a gun. Officers immediately drew their weapons, prompting Kishta to drop his firearm and launch into a tirade about government conspiracies and world domination by Chinese citizens.
Following Kishta’s arrest, officers found his roommate in the living room. The roommate recounted being roused from sleep by Kishta’s knocking. Upon opening his bedroom door, he was met with Kishta pointing a gun at him, coercing him into the living room. Kishta allegedly forced him to sit on the couch, demanding a confession to his god and mentioning “something about science,” even threatening to shoot him.
Kishta reportedly told the officer that he does not have any mental health diagnoses, but the officer, believing him to be a threat to others, referred him for emergency mental health services under the Baker Act.
Kishta has been charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and kidnapping. His criminal history and bail amount will be available after he attends a First Appearance hearing.
Articles about arrests are based on reports from law enforcement agencies. The charges listed are taken from the arrest report and/or court records and are only accusations. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
