DOJ says white supremacist charged after threats to US lawmaker, Muslims and transgender people
By Kanishka Singh
WASHINGTON, July 10 (Reuters) – A self-described white supremacist in Pennsylvania was indicted by a federal grand jury after threatening violence against members of Congress, Muslims, transgender people and Democrats, the Justice Department said on Friday.
Here are the details:
• A 12-count indictment by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh named 32-year-old Robert Hlovchiec as the sole defendant, the Justice Department said in a statement that did not identify the member of Congress.
• The Justice Department said that between February and March, Hlovchiec posted comments in YouTube videos in which he threatened violence against members of Congress, Democrats and liberals, transgender people and various minority groups such as Muslims.
• According to the Department of Justice, in his threats he said, “If I get the chance, I will commit mass murder wherever (the Congressman) is. (The Congressman) needs to die… America is not for sale. America is not a Muslim country.”
• According to the Department of Justice, he said, “If I get the chance, I will shoot everyone in (the Congressman’s) family. America is a white Christian nation. We are ready to kill and die before foreign Muslims take over.”
• The Justice Department said a federal grand jury indicted Hlovchiec “on interstate threats and charges of influencing, obstructing, or retaliating against a federal official by threat.”
• Hlovchiec reportedly described himself as a Nazi and white supremacist and expressed a desire to carry out mass murders and assassinations.
• The defendant’s representative could not be reached for comment.
• The Justice Department said the FBI conducted the investigation that led to the indictment.
• US human rights advocates have noted that Islamophobia has increased over the past two decades following the September 11, 2001 attacks, and more recently due to anti-immigrant policies, white supremacy, and the consequences of Israel’s war in Gaza.
• US political experts have separately warned about political violence resulting from increased polarization.
(Reporting by Kanishka Singh in Washington; Editing by David Gaffen and Kim Coghill)
