Michael Lee Tomasi, 38, of Rio Verde, Arizona, was sentenced to 15 months in federal prison followed by 36 months of supervised release for making online threats against public servants, including federal officials. He was also ordered to forfeit an arsenal of weapons, including an assault rifle, handgun, shotgun, gun magazines, and thousands of rounds of ammunition. Tomasi pleaded guilty on August 13, 2024, to one count of making threats against public officials.
Details of the Case
From May 2021 to November 2023, Tomasi used social media to issue violent threats against various individuals, including FBI agents, a city district attorney, a state court judge, a member of Congress, and other federal and local law enforcement officers. His posts expressed intent to incite violence and intimidate public servants.
One post, dated August 26, 2023, specifically targeted FBI agents, stating:
“Shoot the FBI first and ask questions later. … Any FBI [] have a problem with that[,] come to my house and see what happens. Shoot before they even pull their guns out of their trunk and you shoot to kill.”
Statements from Officials
- Attorney General Merrick B. Garland:
“After making vile threats to execute and sexually assault FBI agents and employees, Michael Tomasi told the FBI to ‘come to my house and see what happens.’ What has happened is that he will spend 15 months in federal prison. I am grateful to the brave public servants of the FBI for bringing this defendant to justice and for the difficult and dangerous work they do every day to keep the American people safe.” - FBI Director Christopher Wray:
“Threatening law enforcement officers and other public officials will not be tolerated, whether it involves our own FBI personnel, police officers patrolling their communities, or government officials carrying out their work. I take it very personally that anyone would threaten FBI personnel who work tirelessly to protect the American people.” - U.S. Attorney Gary Restaino for the District of Arizona:
“Civil discourse and civic dialogue are fundamental to a democratic society. But the incitement of violence is not. We will continue our efforts to prosecute those who make true threats against public officials and law enforcement officers.”
Prosecution and Investigation
The case was investigated by the FBI. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Raymond K. Woo and Abbie Broughton Marsh for the District of Arizona, with support from Trial Attorney Dmitriy Slavin of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.
