Christopher Robertson, a 42-year-old resident of Fairburn, Georgia, appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Catherine M. Salinas in Atlanta on federal charges of communicating interstate threats. The charges stem from multiple videos Robertson posted to Facebook in which he made threats against Jews and Black people. Authorities allege that Robertson, who also uses the name James Lomak, was arrested on August 1 after a standoff with the FBI.
United States Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg stated, “The allegations against Robertson, which include menacing visits to Jewish facilities and vile online threats against Jews and Blacks, are of great concern. Protecting the community from hate-fueled violence is a foundational part of the Department of Justice’s mission, and we will aggressively prosecute criminals who abuse the internet to terrorize and intimidate others.”
Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta Paul Brown commented on the investigation: “Mr. Robertson’s alleged actions serve as a disturbing reminder of the terrifying hatred our Jewish communities encounter simply because of their beliefs. The FBI will continue to work diligently with our law enforcement and community partners to investigate any individual who threatens the safety of our residents.”
According to court records presented by U.S. Attorney Hertzberg, staff at the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta (JFGA) observed Robertson inside their secure parking area on July 30. Security staff engaged him after determining he had entered without permission; during this interaction, Robertson claimed to be “the official spokesperson for the white race” and requested to speak with a high-ranking Jewish official.
After being asked to leave JFGA property, Robertson went to The Temple synagogue in Midtown Atlanta where he spoke with two staff members and an officer from the Atlanta Police Department was present during his visit. At both locations he made derogatory comments about Jewish people.
Subsequent investigations by Secure Community Network (SCN) and federal authorities revealed several social media accounts operated by Robertson containing antisemitic content and threats. In one YouTube video post, he used threatening language directed at Jews; another Facebook post from July 28 showed him holding a pistol while discussing what he called “cultural genocide” against white people.
In response to these incidents, law enforcement increased patrols around approximately 80 Jewish facilities throughout greater Atlanta.
On July 31, officials say Robertson entered a Chabad building in Peachtree City where staff barricaded themselves while calling police; this incident was also recorded by Robertson and posted online.
A day later on August 1—before his arrest—Robertson allegedly posted another Facebook video threatening violence against Black individuals.
Federal agents obtained an arrest warrant that evening but faced resistance when attempting to take him into custody at his home; after hours barricaded inside his residence, Robertson surrendered peacefully and authorities recovered a firearm from the scene.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is leading the case with prosecution handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Brent Alan Gray and Bret R. Hobson.
Further information can be obtained through the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office or via their website at http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga
