FBI Director Kash Patel said this is ‘yet another disturbing example of a dangerous copycat inspired by the reckless behavior of former officials’.
A Florida man was indicted Friday for allegedly threatening to kill Alina Habba in a series of online “86” posts against the interim U.S. attorney for New Jersey, Fox News Digital has learned.
The “86”” has been interpreted by law enforcement officials to mean “get rid of.”
Gregory W. Kehoe, the interim U.S. attorney for the Middle District of Florida, announced the charges Friday.
According to the indictment reviewed by Fox News Digital, Salvatore Russotto made a threat in May to “injure and kill the victim in a series of online posts.”
Fox News Digital has learned that the victim referred to in the indictment is Habba, the interim U.S. attorney for New Jersey who previously served as counselor to President Donald Trump.
“[VICTIM] is a c—,” Russotto posted. “86 that b—-.”
He also allegedly posted: “A slow painful death for [VICTIM]. 86 that c—.”
Russotto also allegedly posted: “Eliminate [VICTIM]. 86 Traitor. Death penalty for all traitors.”
Russotto was charged with transmission of an interstate threat to injure and retaliating against a federal law enforcement officer by threat.
“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,” FBI Director Kash Patel told Fox News Digital. “Our FBI will not tolerate political violence in any form.
“I’m grateful to our law enforcement partners in Florida for their swift action and steadfast commitment to justice.”
The indictment comes after Patel said he has been forced to divert agents to investigate “copycats” of potential threats to Trump as a result of former FBI Director James Comey’s “86 47” social media post last month.