Edward Arthur Owens Jr., a 29-year-old resident of Elizabeth, Pennsylvania, faces charges following accusations of making antisemitic threats against a local public official. Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti disclosed that Owens was apprehended by the Federal Bureau of Investigation after a federal criminal complaint was filed.
The complaint states that on May 20, 2025, Owens transmitted a threatening message via social media. The message contained derogatory and threatening language aimed at the official and included references deemed antisemitic by organizations like the Anti-Defamation League. The message's reference to "109 countries" is highlighted as an assertion used by antisemites to call for the expulsion of Jews.
The United States government has requested Owens' detention without bail, citing him as a community threat. A hearing regarding this request is scheduled for June 5, 2025.
Assistant United States Attorney Carl J. Spindler will prosecute the case. The FBI conducted the investigation leading to Owens' arrest.
It is important to note that a criminal complaint is merely an accusation and Owens remains presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
