A man from Chicago, Timothy Holmes, has been released on bail despite federal prosecutors’ attempts to keep him in custody. He was arrested in Florida and faces charges for threatening to harm an individual across state lines.
The allegations stem from a March 3 incident where Holmes reportedly posted on X that he intended to “shoot up a synagogue.” His post was a reaction to a message from the Israeli government’s X account about the death of Saeed Ali Hosseini Khamenei in Iran.
According to a criminal complaint, the FBI’s National Threat Operations Division was alerted to credible threats made by Holmes on his X account. Investigators found more disturbing communications in March, including multiple derogatory posts about Jewish people. Some posts echoed extremist slogans like “From the river to the sea, all Jews will die,” causing alarm among authorities.
Moreover, prosecutors stated that Holmes shared the Florida address of a relative linked to an Israeli official and flew to the state shortly after, raising questions about his intentions. He reportedly asked for her address before posting, “Flying to Florida this week. Just out of curiosity.” His attorney contended that he went to Florida solely to assist family members.
On commenting about the case, Andrew Boutros, the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, emphasized their commitment to combating anti-Semitism. He indicated that the current administration is serious about preventing violence against the Jewish community.
Holmes was released on a $100,000 bail, with conditions that he cannot possess firearms, contact witnesses or victims, use social media, and must wear a GPS device. He is due to appear in federal court in Chicago for further proceedings.
Holmes’ X account has been suspended for breaching platform rules, according to an investigation.
