Originally published August 14, 2023 9:37 am PDT
As Hawaii grapples with the ongoing wildfire crisis, the Maui Police Department finds itself under the leadership of Chief John Pelletier, a figure with a controversial history linked to one of America’s most enigmatic mass shootings.
Chief Pelletier, who assumed the role at the Maui Police Department in late 2021, had previously dedicated 22 years to the Las Vegas Police Department, eventually holding the position of captain, The National Pulse reports.
In 2017, Pelletier was the Incident Commander during the notorious Las Vegas mass shooting, a tragedy that resulted in the deaths of 58 individuals.
This grim event, which took place on October 1, remains shrouded in mystery, with no definitive explanation for why 64-year-old Stephen Paddock opened fire from the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay resort, killing 59 and injuring 527.
A book on crisis management commented on Pelletier’s role during this time, stating, “Captain Pelletier experienced a challenging crisis context to lead through following the October 1 shooting in Las Vegas, Nevada. He was able to navigate the uncertainty of the crisis, coordinate and collaborate with key stakeholders during the crisis, and take action.”
Further fueling discussions about his credentials, Chief Pelletier recently graduated from the FBI National Academy, securing a certificate in criminal justice.
Noteworthy figures, including former U.S. Attorney General Bill Barr and current FBI Director Christopher Wray, were present at his graduation.
As Maui confronts the challenges of the wildfires, Chief Pelletier’s past, particularly his association with the Las Vegas incident, raises eyebrows and calls for scrutiny, especially given the unresolved nature of the mass shooting.
