An Arizona man has conceded to charges of making online threats against public officials, including a member of Congress and federal law enforcement officers. Michael Lee Tomasi, a 37-year-old from Rio Verde, entered his guilty plea after being accused of posting violent messages on social media with the intent to incite violence and intimidate government officials, as detailed in the Justice Department's press release.
Tomasi's social media activity spanned from May 2021 through November 2023, during which he illegally targeted various public servants. The string of threats culminated in a particularly alarming post on August 26, 2023, where Tomasi encouraged violence against the FBI, stating: "Shoot the FBI first and ask questions later. . . . Any FBI [] have a problem with that[,] come to my house and see what happens. Shoot before they even pull their guns out of their trunk and you shoot to kill." Despite the gravity of his actions, Tomasi now awaits sentencing, which could result in a maximum of 10 years in prison, according to the Justice Department.
Addressing this case and similar threats to the nation's officials and democracy, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland was quoted declaring, "Threats of violence against elected officials, judges, and FBI agents pose immense danger to the physical safety of individual victims and undermine our very system of government," in a statement by the Justice Department. FBI Director Christopher Wray and U.S. Attorney Gary Restaino echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the impact of such threats on community security and the rule of law.
When law enforcement apprehended Tomasi, they found a loaded handgun in his vehicle, alongside other firearms and body armor at his home, gestures that signify his preparedness to act on the threats. This disturbing discovery has lent urgency to the prosecution of such cases. Tomasi’s sentencing is scheduled for October 23, and will be determined after considering U.S. Sentencing Guidelines along other statutory factors, with an eye towards ensuring the safety of American leaders and institutions.
The investigation, conducted by the FBI, rests on the principle that safeguarding officials entrusted with the nation's governance is not only a matter of protecting individuals but preserving democracy. Lead prosecutors Raymond K. Woo and Abbie Broughton Marsh, along with assistance from Trial Attorney Dmitriy Slavin of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section, are at the vanguard of this case, representing a broader effort to counter domestic threats.
