U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, in collaboration with the FBI, apprehended a Cincinnati resident on July 19 following allegations of making threats against ICE officers online.
Anthony Marcus Kelly, aged 38, is facing federal charges that include threatening to assault, kidnap or murder a United States official and transmitting communications containing threats to kidnap or injure another person.
Authorities identified Kelly as the individual behind the social media account “Slab,” which allegedly posted calls for violence against ICE officers and described acquiring firearms for this purpose.
One post attributed to Kelly stated: “Why even bother with these damn courts anymore. #Gestapedos don’t deserve anything but the smoke coming for them anyway. #RevolutionIsTheSolution #DestroyICE they’re rabid dogs that need to be put down. Including #KristiNoem #DogmeatWalking.”
Another post read: “You come here for me, you’re getting shot. And I’m not looking to disable […] I’m shooting for the kill. I won’t give a **** about your names, who you are, or anything else.”
“Let me be crystal clear: Threatening to kill a federal officer is not protest — it’s terrorism,” said acting ICE Director Todd M. Lyons. He emphasized that such violent threats are part of a broader issue where politicians incite hostility towards law enforcement officials.
HSI Detroit acting Special Agent in Charge Jared Murphey stated, “Calling for violence against federal law enforcement is not protected by the First Amendment.” He urged those who disagree with national laws to contact their representatives instead of resorting to threats.
FBI Cincinnati Special Agent in Charge Elena Iatarola added that advocating violence is illegal and carries serious consequences.
Kelly remains in federal custody awaiting further court proceedings. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.
