CHASE BLISS COLASURDO, was arrested May 1, 2019. Chief U.S. District Judge Ricardo S. Martinez scheduled sentencing for Aug. 23, 2019. According to the criminal complaint, in March 2019, a member of the public reported to the FBI concerns about Instagram and other social media posts where COLASURDO threatened to execute members of President Donald Trumps family. Additionally, COLASURDO sent messages to five different media organizations that he was going to execute the family member. COLASURDO posted a photo on Instagram showing a hand with a firearm pointed at the photo of a Trump family member. When initially contacted by law enforcement in March, COLASURDO claimed his social media accounts had been hacked.
Despite his statements that he was not responsible for the posts, COLASURDO continued to make threatening comments, specifically threats to members of the Jewish community. In one post, he wrote it was time to start bombing synagogues. Throughout April 2019, COLASURDO sent threatening email messages and online posts to media figures in Southern California using anti-Semitic slurs and threats to kill. As law enforcement continued to track his activity, it became clear he was purchasing various items related to firearms, such as a holster, bulletproof vest, and ammunition. COLASURDO attempted to purchase a firearm but was denied. When law enforcement served search warrants at COLASURDOs apartment, they recovered Nazi and Adolph Hitler related items, as well as ammunition, night vision goggles, and a gas mask.
Interstate threats are punishable by up to five years in prison and three years of supervised release. The case is being investigated by the FBI and U.S. Secret Service in conjunction with an investigation by the Los Angeles Police Department. Significant assistance was provided by the Sound Regional Violent Crimes Task Force. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Todd Greenberg.
-- Western District of Washington
Source: U.S. Secret Service