U.S. Attorney Michael F. Easley, Jr. | U.S. Department of Justice
A man from Wendell, North Carolina, has been arrested following allegations of making threats against executives at Advance Auto Parts. The arrest stems from a criminal complaint regarding the interstate communication of threats.
U.S. Attorney Michael F. Easley, Jr. emphasized the seriousness of such threats: “Whether targeting a kid in a classroom or a boss in a boardroom, we won’t normalize violent threats meant to intimidate workers or strike fear in families. Threats to kill are not how we resolve differences in America, and it’s a federal crime,” he stated. He added that swift action would be taken against anyone threatening an American anywhere for their beliefs, practices, or workplace.
Court documents reveal that on December 6, 2024, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) was alerted by Advance Auto Parts about threatening messages received through their website. The messages demanded changes within the company by December 25 and included serious threats if demands were not met.
The complaint identifies Edward Scott Huffman, 46, as the sender of these messages. It is alleged that Huffman admitted to sending them during an interview with law enforcement. Further investigation uncovered evidence on Huffman's cellphone, including a photo of a rifle with a scope and text messages where he expressed intentions to harm UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson for $50,000 and an untraceable rifle.
Huffman faces one count of transmitting a threat in interstate commerce and could receive up to five years in prison if convicted.
The announcement was made by Michael F. Easley, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina. The case is being investigated by the FBI and Wendell Police Department with Assistant U.S. Attorney Leonard Champaign prosecuting.
