Arizona Man Indicted for Antisemitic Death Threats and Interstate Stalking
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Arizona Man Indicted for Antisemitic Death Threats and Interstate Stalking

Donovan Hall Allegedly Targeted Jewish Victims with Thousands of Threats and Violent Images

PHOENIX — Donovan Hall, a 34-year-old Mesa resident, has been indicted on federal charges of making interstate threats and interstate stalking after allegedly sending antisemitic death threats to multiple individuals in New York and across the U.S.

The indictment, announced by Acting U.S. Attorney Edward Y. Kim for the Southern District of New York, outlines a three-month campaign in which Hall reportedly contacted victims approximately 1,000 times with violent and hateful rhetoric.

Threatening Campaign

According to court documents, Hall began his threats in August 2024, targeting the owner of a Manhattan hotel, the owner’s family, and hotel staff. His communications included graphic threats to torture, mutilate, and murder them.

In October 2024, Hall escalated his actions by sending text messages that included photographs of firearms and a machete, along with threats to use them against his victims.

During a search of Hall’s Mesa residence on November 22, 2024, authorities recovered the firearms shown in the text messages, including one loaded weapon, alongside his wallet in a backpack. The firearms were not registered in Hall’s name.

Broader Pattern of Hate

Prosecutors allege Hall’s threats were part of a larger pattern of targeting individuals across the country, consistently using antisemitic language and violent rhetoric in his communications.

“No individual deserves to be at the receiving end of these types of threats or to be targeted because of their religion,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Kim. “This Office is committed to aggressively prosecuting hate crimes of all kinds and seeking justice for the victims of these offensive and harmful acts.”

Charges and Potential Sentences

Hall faces two counts of making interstate threats and one count of interstate stalking, each carrying a maximum sentence of five years in prison.

The charges are accusations at this stage, and Hall is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Law Enforcement Collaboration

The investigation involved the FBI’s Newark Field Office, with assistance from the FBI Phoenix Field Office, Mesa Police Department, New York Police Department, Clifton Police Department, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona.

Acting Special Agent in Charge Nelson I. Delgado emphasized the FBI’s zero tolerance for hate-filled speech and threats. “We will not rest until those who commit these types of crimes are held accountable,” Delgado said.

Prosecution

The case is being prosecuted by the Civil Rights Unit of the Southern District of New York’s Criminal Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sam Adelsberg is leading the case.

As the investigation continues, authorities stress the importance of reporting threats and hate crimes to ensure the safety and security of all communities.