A Florida resident was indicted on charges of threatening to kill a prominent federal official. Salvatore Russotto, a 58-year-old from Orlando, Florida, was charged by a federal grand jury with issuing violent threats against Alina Habba, the interim U.S. Attorney for New Jersey. The Department of Justice revealed the indictment on Friday, marking a serious response to threats made on social media.
Russotto allegedly posted a series of menacing statements on the platform X, utilizing the code “86” – a term understood within certain contexts to imply assassination. His messages included phrases like “Eliminate HABBA. 86 Traitor. Death penalty for all traitors” and “I HOPE YOU DIE A PAINFUL DEATH,” as detailed in a DOJ press release. These posts were made on May 19, coinciding with the day Habba announced charges against Rep. LaMonica McIver for obstructing federal agents.
The indictment charges Russotto with one count of threatening to injure and kill a federal official and another for retaliating against a law enforcement officer using threats. Together, these charges could lead to a maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison.
Greg Kehoe, interim U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida, announced the indictment, but no specific motive for Russotto's actions was disclosed. The situation unfolds amid a backdrop of political tension and legal confrontation. Habba, previously a personal attorney and White House counselor for Donald Trump, charged Newark Mayor Ras Baraka with trespassing, a case which was later dropped. Baraka has since filed a lawsuit against Habba, alleging politically motivated prosecution. McIver has pleaded not guilty to the charges against her, with a trial set for November.
This indictment follows a month after a controversial episode involving former FBI Director James Comey, who posted an Instagram photo seemingly referencing violence against President Trump. Comey denied knowing the term's violent connotation and deleted the post after backlash. Trump appointee FBI Director Kash Patel affirmed the bureau's investigation into potential copycat threats, including Comey's post.
The recent events have cast a spotlight on the issue of violent rhetoric and the safety of public officials. The quick arrest of Russotto by the FBI's Tampa office and local law enforcement demonstrates the seriousness with which such threats are treated. FBI Director Patel condemned the dangerous behavior, stressing the importance of protecting those in positions of legal authority.