Federal authorities have arrested an Ohio man, Anthony Kelly, for allegedly threatening to kill Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.
Kelly, from Cincinnati, is accused of making violent threats against officials he referred to as “Gestapedos,” a term combining “Gestapo” and “pedophiles.” The threats were reportedly posted online, leading to his arrest.
Threatening Social Media Posts
Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), announced Kelly’s arrest on X (formerly Twitter).
According to McLaughlin, Kelly’s threats included comments about assaulting, kidnapping, and even murdering U.S. officials. After his arrest, Homeland Security agents searched Kelly’s home, finding a handgun and ammunition.
Kelly allegedly posted multiple threatening messages on BlueSky, a social media platform. One of his posts followed a Fox News interview with Border Czar Tom Homan, where Homan discussed federal immigration agents detaining individuals based on their physical appearance.
Kelly responded by writing, “Thanks for giving We The People permission to shoot your #Gestapedos #TomHoman.”
The Threats Against Kristi Noem
Kelly’s threats also targeted Kristi Noem, who had discussed opening more facilities for housing undocumented immigrants, including the controversial “Alligator Alcatraz” in Florida.
Kelly’s posts included alarming statements such as, “The shotgun is being bought later on this week #KristiNoem … how many of your pathetic #Gestapedos want the smoke? You’re also invited b—.”
Further Violent Remarks
In another post, Kelly allegedly wrote, “A message to the #Gestapedos: You come for me, you’re getting shot. And I’m not looking to disable your pedo asses. I’m shooting for the kill. I don’t give a f— about your names, who you are, or anything else. You will be shot. You will be killed. End of story.”
These violent posts led to Kelly’s arrest, with the DHS condemning such threats. McLaughlin emphasized that threatening violence against public officials would not be tolerated, stating that anyone making such threats would be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Consequences and Legal Action
Following Kelly’s arrest, the case is expected to be handled through the legal system. Threats against public officials are taken seriously, especially those made online. The charges against Kelly include threatening to assault, kidnap, and murder a U.S. official, which carries serious legal consequences.
This case highlights the growing concern about online threats and the need for law enforcement to address such behavior promptly. The arrest sends a strong message that threats of violence against government officials will lead to legal action and severe penalties.
