A Florida man faces federal charges for online threats to kill Alina Habba, as authorities warn of rising copycat dangers.

Federal Charges Brought for Online Threats Targeting U.S. Attorney

Federal prosecutors in Florida have indicted Salvatore Russotto for allegedly posting multiple online threats to injure and kill Alina Habba, the interim U.S. attorney for New Jersey. Russotto’s social media posts, made in May, included explicit calls for violence, including statements interpreted by law enforcement as direct threats on Habba’s life. The phrase “86,” commonly understood to mean “get rid of,” appeared repeatedly in the posts, along with other violent language.

The indictment, announced Friday by Gregory W. Kehoe, interim U.S. attorney for the Middle District of Florida, charges Russotto with transmission of an interstate threat and retaliation against a federal law enforcement officer. Specific posts cited in the indictment include references to inflicting a “slow painful death” and issuing “death penalty for all traitors.”

Law enforcement officials confirmed that the victim was Habba, who previously served as counselor to President Donald Trump before her interim appointment in New Jersey. The indictment highlights growing concerns among federal agencies over escalating threats to public officials fueled by social media rhetoric.

Authorities Link Threats to Social Media Copycat Behavior

FBI Director Kash Patel characterized the case as “yet another disturbing example of a dangerous copycat inspired by the reckless behavior of former officials, targeting those who serve our country and threatening the very people working to keep America safe.” Patel stated that the FBI “will not tolerate political violence in any form” and thanked law enforcement partners for their swift action.

Patel noted that recent high-profile social media posts by former officials, including ex-FBI Director James Comey’s now-deleted “86 47” Instagram post, have inspired a wave of copycat threats across the country. Patel described the number of ongoing investigations as “significant,” indicating that the rise in threats is diverting resources from other critical law enforcement efforts.

Comey is under investigation for his post, which displayed seashells arranged to spell “86 47” on a beach, a phrase interpreted as a coded threat. Comey later removed the post and claimed no knowledge of its violent connotations, stating he opposes violence of any kind.

President Donald Trump, in a May interview, dismissed Comey’s explanation, asserting, “He knew exactly what that meant. A child knows what that meant.” Trump argued that, as a former FBI director, Comey should have been aware of the phrase’s implications.

As copycat threats continue to emerge, federal authorities are urging vigilance and emphasizing the serious consequences of online threats against public officials. The indictment against Russotto underscores the government’s commitment to prosecuting those who engage in political violence or intimidation.