Jeffrey Stevens: Freelance journalist claims he was drunk after arrest over posting threats to ‘kill every Jew’ and shoot pro-Israel officials
Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.
FORT WAYNE, INDIANA: A freelance reporter who claimed after arrest that he was intoxicated while posting threats is potentially facing a federal prison sentence of up to five years.
This comes after he allegedly made threats to "kill every Jew" in the city and "shoot every pro-Israel US government official."
Jeffrey Stevens, aged 41, has been charged with posting threats using interstate communications, an offense that could lead to a maximum of five years in federal prison, as per New York Post.
Jeffrey Steven admits to writing about shooting officials on CIA site
According to the affidavit, the FBI was alerted to Stevens' behavior after he made alarming Facebook posts following the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel.
During an interview with the FBI on February 2, Stevens confessed to writing on the CIA's website about his intention to shoot pro-Israel US government officials.
He also admitted to sending a message to the Fort Wayne Police Department on Facebook, stating he would "kill every Jew."
Stevens claimed during the interview that he was intoxicated when he made these posts.
Additionally, Stevens is accused of posting that he will "ensure that every CIA member who supports Israel is removed."
The Detroit News initially reported on the affidavit on Monday.
Jeffrey Stevens arrested for threatening posts
The affidavit was submitted to the US District Court for the Northern District of Indiana on February 12.
Stevens was apprehended last week and is to remain in custody, as stated in a February 16 directive from a federal judge.
Stevens' lawyer has not yet responded about the charges.
According to a survey published on Tuesday by the American Jewish Committee, one-quarter of American Jews reported experiencing antisemitism within the past year.
The survey, conducted nationwide, revealed that almost two-thirds of American Jews feel less safe in the US compared to a year ago.
