U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations, in collaboration with the FBI, apprehended a Cincinnati resident on July 19 following allegations of making online threats to shoot and kill ICE officers.
Anthony Marcus Kelly, aged 38, is facing federal charges for threatening to assault, kidnap or murder a United States official. He is also charged with transmitting communications containing threats to kidnap or injure another person.
Authorities identified Kelly after monitoring social media posts under the alias "Slab," which allegedly called for violence against ICE officers and detailed plans involving firearms.
One post attributed to Kelly stated: “Why even bother with these damn courts anymore. #Gestapedos don’t deserve anything but the smoke coming for them anyway. #RevolutionIsTheSolution #DestroyICE they’re rabid dogs that need to be put down. Including #KristiNoem #DogmeatWalking.”
Another post read: “You come here for me, you’re getting shot. And I’m not looking to disable […] I’m shooting for the kill. I won’t give a **** about your names, who you are, or anything else.”
Acting ICE Director Todd M. Lyons commented on the situation saying, “Let me be crystal clear: Threatening to kill a federal officer is not protest — it’s terrorism.” He added that such violent threats are part of a broader issue where law enforcement officials are being targeted due to political rhetoric.
HSI Detroit acting Special Agent in Charge Jared Murphey emphasized that violence against federal law enforcement is not protected by the First Amendment and urged those who disagree with laws to contact their representatives instead of resorting to threats.
FBI Cincinnati Special Agent in Charge Elena Iatarola stated that advocating violence against federal law enforcement officers will not be tolerated and has serious legal consequences.
Kelly remains in custody as he awaits further court proceedings. It should be noted that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.
