A Marine has been arrested in New Jersey after he allegedly threatened to kill white people in various social media posts and began planning a mass shooting, federal prosecutors said.
Joshua Cobb, 23, of Trenton, was taken into custody on Friday, May 10, after posting statements online bragging about his interest in becoming a serial killer and threatening to “commit a crime.” He was charged with communicating threats in interstate and foreign commerce for his alleged posts. “There is chaos in the white community,” said the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey.
According to court documents filed in the case, Cobb compiled detailed information about locations he considered targets for mass shootings, including a local gym and an Aldi grocery store in Robbinsville.
His cellphone also allegedly contained notes on how to smuggle firearms into New Jersey.
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Joshua Cobb, 23, of Trenton, was taken into custody on Friday, May 10, and charged with communicating threats in interstate and foreign commerce. (St. Petersburg)
U.S. Attorney Philip R. Selinger announced the arrest Monday, saying Cobb joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 2023 and began basic training in June of that year. Mr. Cobb was stationed in California until his recent discharge from the military.
According to a statement provided through the New Jersey U.S. Attorney’s Office, Cobb posted a social media message on Dec. 17, 2022, saying he had begun preparing for a major attack. The message included a detailed explanation of how he was gathering additional guns and ammunition and planning a “gateway.”
“The reason I specifically want to target white people is because as a black man, they will never understand my struggle,” he wrote in one article, according to the USAO. “Likewise, I’ll never understand their struggle, but I don’t care. I want them gone. Really, everything, but in this case as many people as possible.”
Cobb also discussed the date, saying, “It’s definitely close to an important holiday for racing.”
“As of today, I have officially begun planning the attack, which will take place in New Jersey in 2023. We have not set an exact date, but it will definitely be close to a holiday that is important to them. ” For the race, I already have in mind the places I’ve frequented over the past year, and I’ve already got two of the four guns I’m planning. I am using it for my attacks and after the mayhem I already know the entry and exit points,” the post continued.
Cobb allegedly posted statements online bragging about his interest in becoming a serial killer and threatening to “cause chaos in the white community.” (Beata Saursel/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Throughout 2023, Mr. Cobb posted additional messages on social media threatening similar actions. He also spoke candidly about the impatience someone would feel while filming.
In April and May 2023, Cobb continued his online rants, explaining that he had postponed a planned attack in order to gather more ammunition.
“One day I’ll be 100%. I haven’t thought about it yet. I want to continue training and buy more ammunition,” he wrote, according to the district attorney’s office.
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“By the way, I hope I go on to become a serial killer, because I hate this thing called life…but at some point everyone will suffer. I want everyone to know my f–” -I promise to make you feel the pain. My deep, honest, raw, and sharp pain,” he wrote in another message.
“There is no way out for me,” he wrote in another. “The only way out is bloodshed.”
“Wait a minute. Please remember.” [my username]. [I] I’m going to leave clues when I’m done,” he said in two posts. “I’m just leaving evidence for whoever investigates my case.”
In April and May 2023, Cobb continued his online rants, explaining that he had postponed a planned attack in order to gather more ammunition. (Cherise May/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
In a statement to law enforcement officers after his arrest, Cobb reportedly said he idolized other mass shooters.
Investigators found more homicidal thoughts on Cobb’s cell phone, also dating back to April and May 2023.
“Although I currently do not have the necessary means to kill the intended number of people, someday I will have the resources (funds) to purchase suitable weapons for the killing,” he wrote in one note. is written in.
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He continued, “My rampage will occur soon…I will continue to gather the necessary equipment for its execution. Only time will tell once I have all the equipment. You will all die.”
Cobb could face up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
