A man has been indicted for allegedly making threats against Alina Habba, the acting U.S. attorney for New Jersey, through a series of violent online posts. Salvatore Russotto is accused of posting comments that included the phrase “86,” which is interpreted as a call to “get rid of” someone. This incident occurred in May and was detailed in the charges announced by Gregory W. Kehoe, the interim U.S. attorney for the Middle District of Florida.
The indictment outlines Russotto’s threats to “injure and kill” Habba, which he made across multiple social media posts. Specific accusations include postings that mentioned a “slow painful death” for Habba, along with derogatory language and an explicit call to “eliminate” her. Such threats against public officials highlight a troubling trend in which individuals feel emboldened to express violent intent through social media platforms.
This case also underscores broader concerns about the impact of incendiary political discourse online. The recent remarks made by former FBI Director James Comey, who himself faced an investigation for alluding to violence against former President Trump in a social media post, serve to illustrate the precarious nature of public rhetoric. Comey’s comments led to scrutiny from law enforcement, with FBI Director Kash Patel noting the need to direct resources towards addressing these concerning trends, including copycat threats.
Overall, this incident is a reminder of the importance of responsible communication, especially in the volatile context of political discussions. Law enforcement’s response to threats underscores their commitment to preventing violence against public officials and ensuring the safety of those who serve the nation. While the actions of individuals like Russotto are deeply concerning, the awareness and investigation of such threats can lead to a safer environment for political discourse.