ICYMI: Violent Threats and Racist Attacks – South Carolina Man Targets Journalist!
A South Carolina man unleashed a torrent of hate-filled threats against a reporter—now he’s facing federal charges for his violent, racist outburst. 🌐 #News #MyrtleBeachSC #SouthCarolina #Crime
MYRTLE BEACH, SC – A 35-year-old man from South Carolina has been arrested by the FBI after allegedly threatening a New York-based reporter with violent and hateful messages. Austin Suman of Myrtle Beach is accused of harassing the journalist over her previous reporting on his arrest several years ago. The disturbing threats, filled with ethnic and gender slurs, have sent shockwaves through the press community and raised serious concerns about the safety of journalists.
FBI Charges Suman With Violent Threats and Stalking
Austin Suman faces multiple federal charges, including threatening interstate communications, which could lead to up to five years in prison. He is also charged with willfully making a threat involving explosives, carrying a maximum sentence of 10 years, and interstate stalking, which could result in an additional five years behind bars. These charges stem from a series of aggressive messages Suman allegedly sent to the reporter on November 8, 2024, via Facebook and email.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, Suman’s threats included graphic and violent language. FBI Assistant Director James E. Dennehy stated, “Austin Suman allegedly made numerous threats and ethnic slurs to a local news reporter to file a personal grievance against her for her previous reporting of his prior arrest.” He went on to emphasize the seriousness of the threats, which were allegedly delivered with intimidation and prejudice.
Disturbing Details of the Threats
The messages Suman allegedly sent were filled with racial and gender-based slurs and explicit threats. In one message, he reportedly said, “You are a dumb spick, we [are] coming for you.” He followed with a chilling declaration, “I will end you and your family.” Suman also threatened to blow up the reporter’s house, saying, “I can blow your house off [its] foundation tread lightly.”
Suman further escalated the situation by boasting about his firearm collection, stating, “I have more guns than ever,” and even mentioning that some were “ful[ly] auto[matic].” His hate-filled messages included multiple references to the reporter’s ethnicity and gender, calling her a “[D]umb Mexican” and a “dumb fuckin c**t.” He also sent multiple racial slurs targeting people of Hispanic, Latin American, or Spanish descent.
The Reporter’s Past Coverage Led to the Threats
The disturbing threats appear to be directly linked to a past article written by the reporter several years ago. The piece covered Suman’s arrest for threatening a former roommate with a firearm, a situation that resulted in his guns being confiscated. According to authorities, Suman’s grievances with the reporter date back to this coverage, leading him to lash out in a series of hateful, violent messages.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams spoke about the case, stressing the importance of holding those who threaten journalists accountable. He said, “The charges against the defendant demonstrate our resolve to work at lightning speed to neutralize threats against the press — which serves a vital role in our democracy.” Williams added that anyone who crosses the line with hate-based threats against journalists will be found and held accountable for their actions.
The FBI continues to investigate the case, underscoring their commitment to protecting journalists from online threats and violence.
FBI Sends Clear Message
Austin Suman’s arrest highlights the dangerous consequences of online threats and the disturbing trend of harassment aimed at journalists. With the serious charges he faces, the case serves as a strong reminder that those who target members of the press will be held to account for their actions. The FBI’s swift response sends a clear message: violent threats will not be tolerated, no matter how they are delivered.
RELATED TOPICS: Crime | South Carolina | New York
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