The Federal Jury in Georgia has charged two men from out of state with making threats against the director of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s immigration enforcement (ICE) and his wife.
Frank Andrew Wascht, 41, from Knoxville, Tennessee, is alleged to have posted a video on Instagram identifying ICE agents in the Northern District of Georgia, along with their photos. According to court documents, the video included a statement that suggested physically harming the agent when alone.
Officials noted that “Cell Block One treatment” likely refers to inflicting violence. In a related matter, three women are reportedly accused of sharing an ICE agent’s home address online.
Wascht is currently in Texas law enforcement custody and faces additional charges for making terrorist threats towards Republican lawmakers.
Another individual, Anthony Patrick Notto, 63, from Ronkonkoma, New York, allegedly commented on Instagram under a photo of the ICE officer’s spouse, making a suggested reference to semi-automatic rifles as potential targets.
Notto has also been arrested on federal charges, with both men facing trial after being charged on September 23rd.
U.S. attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg expressed that federal agents should operate without harassment from individuals online or otherwise. He emphasized the illegality of threatening law enforcement and their families, asserting that his office is committed to addressing such threats decisively.
Paul Brown, special agent in charge of the FBI Atlanta, added that threats against law enforcement and their families undermine the safety and integrity of the judicial system.
The case is under investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
