ATF: Man Said He Was 'Getting Ready' to Shoot Officers After Nero Verdict

BALTIMORE (AP) — Federal authorities say a Baltimore man charged with a weapons violation was recorded saying a rifle he was selling was loaded because he was "getting ready" to shoot police after an officer's acquittal.

Robert Owens is charged with possession of a firearm by a felon. An affidavit filed in U.S. District Court by a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives agent states that Owens sold an informant a rifle Monday, the same day Officer Edward Nero was acquitted in the arrest of a black man who died after being injured in police custody. The affidavit states Owens mentioned it was loaded, saying "I was getting ready to use it to shoot some cops ... cuz they done made that motherf----- uh innocent."

RELATED: Freddie Gray Arresting Officer Edward Nero Found Not Guilty On All Charges

The Baltimore Sun first reported the charges.