Texas Man Charged for Threatening ICE Agents Online
A McKinney, Texas resident has been charged in federal court following alarming online threats he directed towards U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. Robert Wilson King, a 35-year-old U.S. citizen, was arrested after posting the threats on March 29, according to officials from Homeland Security Investigations.
Details of the Threats
King’s social media activity sparked concern as he made hostile remarks about ICE agents and the Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem. One of his initial posts included a shared article from PBS NewsHour, which he commented on with a violent wish for Noem’s demise, referring to her as “Nazi scum” and expressing the hope that she would face severe consequences in an alleged war crimes tribunal.
His threats escalated when he specifically targeted immigration authorities, stating: “If I see ICE agents in my neighborhood, I am opening fire. It’s time to stop being p****** and put the second amendment to work. ICE are not real cops; they are a secret police force with no real legal authority. Kill them.”
Legal Proceedings
Following the threats, King was brought before a federal judge on Monday, charged with transmitting interstate threats. The judge ordered him to be held until a detention hearing scheduled for Wednesday.
Government Response
The rhetoric surrounding King’s social media activity reflects broader tensions regarding immigration enforcement in the U.S. Secretary Noem previously issued warnings about the seriousness of threatening law enforcement, emphasizing that such actions would not go unpunished. In response to threats made on platforms like TikTok, she stated, “If you threaten or attempt to harm a law enforcement officer, we will find you and prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law.”
Robert King pictured after his arrest for allegedly threatening immigration authorities. (Department of Homeland Security)
The fate of King lies in the upcoming federal hearing, where the implications of his threats and the legal consequences will be further explored. The case underlines the importance of responsible communication, especially concerning law enforcement, amid the ongoing national debate over immigration policies.
