After months of investigations, police arrested an Ohio teen accused of making online threats of mass shootings.
According to an arrest affidavit, the FBI in Anchorage, Alaska, began the investigation six months ago after an online user named “ArmyOfChrist” allegedly posted numerous comments on the “iFunny” site, in support of mass shootings, assaulting police, and “assaults/targeting of Planned Parenthood.”
At the time of the investigation, the FBI noted that “ArmyofChrist” had around 4,400 followers.
“Don’t comply with gun laws, stock up on stuff they could ban. In fact, go out of your way to break these laws, they’re f—–g stupid,” one of the posts read.
The account holder also allegedly referenced the 1993 Waco siege, in which the FBI launched tear gas during a standoff with a group of Branch Davidians members, led by David Koresh. The siege ended up killing 76 people who refused to leave the Axtell, Texas, ranch.
“In conclusion, shoot every federal agent on sight,” the account posted, in reference to the Waco incident that left four government agents dead.
Justin Olsen Affidavit by Leigh Egan on Scribd
“Hell, even the Oklahoma City bombing shows that armed resistance is a viable method of political change. There is no legal solution,” another post read.
Authorities served a subpoena to Google and traced the account’s IP to an Ohio teen, 18-year-old Justin Olsen. The finding prompted a search warrant for a home off of Oakridge Drive in Boardman. According to neighbors, the teen lived with his father in the home.
After obtaining the search warrant on August 7, authorities entered the home found around 10,000 rounds of ammunition, according to the affidavit. They also found 15 shotguns and assault-style rifles, 10 semi-automatic pistols, camouflage clothes, and camouflaged backpacks.
The affidavit stated police also found a machete in the trunk of the suspect’s car.
Olsen was subsequently arrested and booked at the Mahoning County Jail. Olsen told investigators that his online moniker was used “only as a joke,” and claimed his comments on the Waco incident was “a hyperbolic conclusion based on the results of the Waco siege.”
“Urging people to shoot federal agents is never acceptable,” Justin Herdman, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, said, according to The Vindicator.
“This defendant had access to an arsenal, and we take his threats very seriously.”
Olsen is charged with telecommunications harassment, aggravated menacing, and a federal charge of threatening to assault a federal law enforcement officer. He was arraigned Monday morning at the Thomas D. Lambros Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse
Check back with CrimeOnline as additional details become available.
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[Feature Photo: Justin Olsen/Police Handout]
