A Florida man has been indicted for allegedly posting death threats online targeting Alina Habba.
Salvatore Russotto was arrested over the threats against Habba, a former counselor to President Donald Trump and now interim U.S. Attorney for New Jersey.
According to an indictment unsealed Friday by U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe, Russotto faces federal charges.
It comes after he reportedly posted a series of “86” threats online aimed at Habba..
“86” is police slang interpreted as “get rid of” or kill.
On May 19, Russotto allegedly declared:
“A slow painful death for HABBA.
“Eliminate HABBA.
“86 Traitor,” he added.
“Death penalty for all traitors.”
He has been charged with transmission of a threat across state lines and retaliating against a federal law enforcement officer by threat.
The offenses carry up to 10 years in federal prison.
The FBI also weighed in on the case.
FBI Director Kash Patel emphasized the seriousness of the indictment in an interview with Fox News.
He drew connections to a recent wave of copycat threats.
“This is yet another disturbing example of a dangerous copycat inspired by the reckless behavior of former officials, targeting those who serve our country and threatening the very people working to keep America safe,” Patel said.
“Our FBI will not tolerate political violence in any form.”
He added that the FBI had to reassign agents to handle these threats, taking resources away from critical work combating child trafficking, fentanyl shipments, and terrorism.
Authorities are warning of an increase in “86 47” threats that are being considered part of a “Copycat Effect.”
The indictment follows other similar threats acrimoniously tied to political messaging, such as former FBI Director James Comey’s controversial “86 47” Instagram post.
That incident prompted an FBI investigation and was widely criticized by President Trump for allegedly encouraging violence.
Patel revealed the bureau is tracking a “significant” number of these “copycats.”
The case comes amid heightened threats against conservatives and Trump supporters.
A heightened culture of political threats is taking hold, fueled by inflammatory rhetoric, raising national security concerns.
The legal system and law enforcement agencies are under pressure to gauge and guard against violent rhetoric online.
The case reinforces the duty to hold individuals accountable for threats against public officials, regardless of political stripe.
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