By Linus Flomo/BASSA
Authorities in Grand Bassa are searching for George Brownell, a man who claims to be a former U.S. Marine, after he allegedly held a group of Chinese miners at gunpoint on the evening of March 19, 2025. Brownell, whose whereabouts remain unknown, is accused of tying up the miners and threatening them with a firearm before fleeing the scene.
According to eyewitnesses, Brownell arrived at the mining site in the Mat House Community, District 1, in an American bus and a jeep.
He allegedly confronted the miners, bound them with ropes, and held them at gunpoint. The incident occurred around 7:00 PM local time (19 hours GMT).
Following reports of the attack, the superintendent of Grand Bassa, Karyou Johnson led a team of police officers to the scene, but Brownell had already absconded.
In response, Johnson has ordered the Liberia National Police (LNP) to launch an urgent investigation and locate the suspect.
Before going into hiding, Brownell took to Instagram to defend himself. He claimed ownership of a farm in the district and said he has made significant contributions to the local community.
He also accused Superintendent Johnson, the police commander, and the town chief of attempting to have him arrested. However, he did not clarify why he has refused to turn himself in.
Superintendent Johnson has since dismissed Brownell’s allegations and urged him to cooperate with the local authorities.
“George Brownell has been accused of holding Chinese miners at gunpoint, claiming that they are damaging the roads he has worked to fix,” Johnson stated. As a leader, I have instructed the police to investigate what transpired. If George Brownell believes he has done nothing wrong, he should simply cooperate with the police.”
Johnson emphasized that no one is interfering with Brownell’s operations but called on him to come forward and face the investigation.
Authorities are continuing their search for Brownell as the investigation unfolds.
