An Allegheny County man has been charged in federal court with allegedly sending anti-Semitic threats to a public official.
Edward Owens Jr., 29, of Elizabeth, is accused of threatening a public figure on social media, according to Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti. According to court documents, Owens Jr. knowingly sent the following threat to a local official.
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“We’re coming for you [emoji of person raising right hand] [German flag emoji] be afraid. Go back to Israel, or better yet, exterminate yourself and save us the trouble. 109 countries for a reason. We will not stop until your kind is nonexistent.”
According to a release, Owens was referencing the antisemitic claim that Jews had been expelled from 109 countries. Antisemites purportedly use the slogan to incite hatred.
The Department of Justice’s notice did not specify who the individual was or their job, only that they often interact with the public.
Currently, the US has filed a request with the court system to refuse bail pending his trial because they believe he is “a danger to the community.” The court will conduct a hearing on this topic on June 5.
Carl J. Spindler, an assistant United States attorney, is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.
