Man Arrested in Arizona for Bomb Threats

An Arizona resident was taken into custody on Wednesday after he reportedly sent a threatening email about potential bombings targeting the White House and other sites in Washington, D.C., as stated by federal officials.

Jacob Aaron Hicks, a 46-year-old from Tucson, now faces charges for making an interstate threat to cause injury, according to an announcement from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona.

The criminal complaint reveals that on September 23, Hicks allegedly contacted a local Tucson news station, warning of an “imminent bomb strike against the White House and other locations in Washington, D.C.”

The television station quickly informed the authorities, which led to an investigation into the threat.

Authorities later confirmed Hicks as the source of the email. U.S. Attorney Timothy Courchaine emphasized the seriousness of such threats, stating, “We must take threats of violence like this one seriously.” He also expressed gratitude to the local news station for their alertness and praised the FBI for their prompt and professional response.

Further investigation revealed additional drafts of emails in Hicks’ account that were also dated September 23. These drafts contained similar threats directed at other news organizations regarding the White House and various locations in D.C.

Leading the investigation is the FBI, with support from the U.S. Secret Service. FBI Phoenix Special Agent in Charge Rebecca Day acknowledged the quick action of the news station, stating that community cooperation is vital for ensuring public safety.

Hicks made his initial court appearance on Thursday in federal court.