A California man is facing up to ten years in prison after a federal jury found him guilty of sending threatening emails to the FBI. Mark William Anten, 52, has been convicted on two counts of threats by interstate communication, following emails he sent that included threats to bomb the FBI's Los Angeles Field Office and references to the Unabomber. Anten's sentencing is scheduled for September 13.

While in federal custody since December 2023, the evidence presented during a three-day trial indicated that from July to December of the same year, Anten ramped up the aggressiveness of his communications with the FBI. This culminated in explicit bomb threats against the agency's field office in Westwood. The Office of Public Affairs reported that these communications mentioned Theodore John Kaczynski, also known as the "Unabomber," who was responsible for a lethal bombing campaign over two decades.

Attorney General Merrick B. Garland emphasized the gravity of threatening federal agencies. "This verdict should make clear that the Justice Department has no tolerance for threats of violence against the FBI," he stated. Reinforcing this perspective, U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada for the Central District of California stressed the importance of respecting law enforcement, stating, "Those who threaten the FBI and other law enforcement officers ignore the daily sacrifices these officers make to protect us and undermine the rule of law."

During an encounter with FBI task force officers in November 2023, Anten admitted to sending the threatening messages. Following a stern warning to cease his communications, Anten's threats intensified. He sent an email stating, "I AM THE UNABOMBER" and "I WILL UNABOMB THE LOS ANGELES FBI HQ," and later visited the relevant FBI office, confirming his visit in a subsequent email, as per the Office of Public Affairs. Furthermore, a trial reveal showed an email from Anten that contained an attached photo resulting from an internet search on "how to make a dirty bomb."