The man threatening to fly a plane into Walmart in Mississippi has been identified as Cory Patterson, law enforcement officials said. Patterson is said to be 29 years old and a graduate of Tupelo High School. Patterson is from Shannon, Mississippi. 

Local US media reported Cory Patterson put up a Facebook post Saturday morning which said: “Sorry everyone. Never actually wanted to hurt anyone. I love my parents and sister this isn’t your fault.” 

There is social media speculation that says Patterson was an airport employee. 

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The plane is now down and the Patterson is in police custody, the Benton County Police told ABC News. There is yet to be an update on Patterson’s condition and whether the plane crashed.  

On Saturday morning, news surfaced that a man was threatening to fly a plane into the Tupelo Walmart. Tupelo police said the man had called 911 and got in touch with the police at around 5 am.

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Tupelo police quickly released a statement saying: “Citizens are asked to avoid that area until an all clear is given. With the mobility of an airplane of that type the danger zone is much larger than even Tupelo.” 

Patterson was flying the plane in circles far to the northwest of Tupelo, while flying very low and changing altitudes between 500 and 1500 mean sea level, according to a Flightradar24 report. 

The Tupelo Walmart was evacuated. Charles Crowson, director of Walmart Press Office told CNN that the Tupelo Walmart is currently closed. “We are working closely with local investigators and are referring questions to law enforcement.” 

Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves said state law enforcement and emergency managers are tracking the dangerous situation. “All citizens should be alert and aware of the updates from Tupelo Police Department.” 

This is a developing story. More information will be added.