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Pontiac Today
By the People, for the People
Pontiac Man Pleads Guilty to Planned Graduation Shooting
Jamarion Hardiman admitted to bringing loaded guns to a high school commencement ceremony in Oakland County.
Published on Feb. 26, 2026
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A 23-year-old Pontiac man has pleaded guilty to weapons charges related to a foiled plot to open fire at a high school graduation ceremony in Oakland County last June. Jamarion Hardiman and a co-defendant were arrested after deputies recovered two loaded firearms with 40-round magazines from their vehicle in the parking lot of the United Wholesale Mortgage Sports Complex, where the Arts and Technology Academy of Pontiac commencement was taking place. Hardiman has now admitted to carrying a firearm with unlawful intent, possession of a firearm in the commission of a felony, and carrying a concealed weapon.
Why it matters
The case has raised renewed concerns about school safety and gun violence in Oakland County, a community already on edge about these issues. The quick response from law enforcement and venue security helped prevent what could have been a tragic incident, but the alleged social media threat and the defendants' access to high-capacity firearms have left the community shaken.
The details
According to prosecutors, Hardiman and 19-year-old Deahveon Whaley got into a fight inside the graduation venue, then went to a vehicle to retrieve the loaded weapons. Surveillance footage showed the two crouching between parked cars and stashing packages underneath vehicles before deputies intervened. The weapons recovered were described as an AR-style pistol and a Glock, each with 40-round magazines.
- The incident occurred at the June 2025 graduation ceremony for the Arts and Technology Academy of Pontiac.
- Hardiman pleaded guilty to the charges on February 26, 2026.
- Hardiman is scheduled to be sentenced on April 14, 2026.
- Whaley, Hardiman's co-defendant, is set to appear in court again on March 3, 2026.
The players
Jamarion Hardiman
A 23-year-old Pontiac resident who pleaded guilty to weapons charges related to a foiled plot to open fire at a high school graduation ceremony.
Deahveon Whaley
A 19-year-old co-defendant of Hardiman who was also arrested in connection with the incident.
Oakland County Sheriff's Office
The law enforcement agency that responded to the incident and recovered the loaded firearms from Hardiman and Whaley's vehicle.
Arts and Technology Academy of Pontiac
The high school where the graduation ceremony was taking place when the incident occurred.
United Wholesale Mortgage Sports Complex
The venue where the Arts and Technology Academy of Pontiac commencement was held.
What they’re saying
“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”
— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on April 14, 2026 whether to sentence Hardiman to prison.
The takeaway
This case highlights the ongoing challenges of school safety and gun violence in Oakland County, Michigan, and the importance of vigilant law enforcement and security measures to prevent potential tragedies at public events.
