A federal grand jury has indicted two men for making threatening messages on Instagram targeting a U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) deportation officer and his wife. The charges, which were announced by the U.S. Department of Justice, involve two out-of-state men accused of posting threatening messages on the social media platform, according to court documents. These messages allegedly targeted an ICE officer and his wife, prompting a swift legal response from federal authorities. The incident has raised concerns about online threats against law enforcement and their families, emphasizing the need for increased digital security and monitoring of social media platforms.
Frank Andrew Waszut, 41, of Knoxville, Tennessee, is accused of posting a video on Instagram that identified and showed photos of an ICE deportation officer working in the Northern District of Georgia. The video allegedly shows Waszut stating, ‘And he’s an ICE agent. This is him unmasked. … So, go ahead and make him famous. And if you see this [expletive] out in public give him the cell block one treatment. You know, catch him when he’s alone.’ The term ‘cell block one treatment’ appears to refer to subjecting someone to physical violence, according to officials. The video was posted on the social media platform, where it allegedly spread online threats and encouraged violence against the ICE officer.
Additionally, Waszut is currently in Texas law enforcement custody, where he is charged with making separate terroristic threats against Republican lawmakers. His actions have drawn significant attention to the issue of cyber threats against public officials and the potential for online harassment to escalate into physical violence. Furthermore, the other suspect, Anthony Patrick Noto, 63, of Ronkonkoma, New York, is accused of posting a comment on Instagram under the picture of the officer’s wife, suggesting the use of a semiautomatic rifle against her. The comment, which refers to ‘A-R,’ is believed to denote a semiautomatic rifle, as stated by officials. This incident highlights the potential for social media to be used as a tool for intimidation and violence against law enforcement and their families.
U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg, who addressed the matter, emphasized that threats against law enforcement officers and their families are illegal and a direct attack on the integrity of the justice system. His statement underscored the FBI’s commitment to investigating and prosecuting such threats to ensure the safety and security of federal agents and their families. The case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), which has taken a strong stance against cyber threats and online harassment.
The charges against Waszut and Noto were brought by a federal grand jury, which has the authority to charge individuals with serious offenses. The indictment was announced on September 23, indicating a swift legal response to the alleged threats. The case has sparked a broader discussion about the balance between freedom of speech and the need to protect public safety, particularly in the context of online activities that may endanger individuals and their families. The FBI and other federal agencies are likely to continue their efforts to monitor and address online threats against law enforcement.
As the investigation continues, authorities may face challenges in determining the full extent of the online threats and their potential impact on the safety of the targeted individuals. The case also raises questions about the role of social media platforms in preventing and addressing cyber threats, especially when such threats could lead to real-world violence. Public discourse may continue to focus on the legal and ethical implications of online harassment and the need for stronger digital security measures to protect both individuals and law enforcement personnel.