A Pennsylvania man has been detained on suspicion of threatening FBI agents with violence.
Late on Friday night in Mercer, police detained Adam Bies, 46. He is still being held until a detention hearing is scheduled after making his first court appearance today in Pittsburgh federal court.
The FBI National Threat Operations Section Social Media Exploitation team allegedly received a tip from MEMRI Domestic Terrorism Threat Monitor on or around August 11 regarding Gab user “BlankFocus,” later identified as Bies, who allegedly posted violent threats against the FBI and law enforcement, saying things like “If You Work For The FBI Then You Deserve To Die.”
Bies reportedly wrote: “Every single piece of [expletive] who works for the FBI in any capacity, from the director down to the janitor who cleans their [expletive] toilets deserves to die,” on August 10 in court records. You’ve declared war on us, thus it’s now fair game for YOU.
On August 10, Bies reportedly posted in a different post: “HEY FEDS. We, the people, CANNOT WAIT to sprinkle your blood on the liberty trees. When you try to break down my door, I’ll be ready for you.
Bies is accused of trying to persuade, obstruct, or retaliate against federal law enforcement officials. He might get a maximum sentence of 10 years in jail if found guilty.
After taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other legal considerations, a federal district court judge will decide on any punishment.
The statement was made by Pittsburgh Field Office Special Agent in Charge Mike Nordwall and U.S. Attorney Cindy K. Chung of the Western District of Pennsylvania.
Jeffrey Bengel, an assistant US attorney, is in charge of the prosecution.
The matter is being looked into by the FBI’s Pittsburgh Field Office, the North Country Violent Offender Task Force, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General.
Simply put, a criminal complaint is an accusation. Until they are proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court, all defendants are deemed innocent.