A North Fort Myers man was arrested after allegedly posting repeated threatening comments targeting Muslims on YouTube, prompting an investigation by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI, authorities said.The Lee County Sheriff’s Office said its Intelligence Unit was notified by the FBI on Jan. 2 about online comments that included violent threats against a religious group.Detectives traced the posts to 64-year-old Fred Chenault, who authorities say had been making the comments for several weeks. According to investigators, the threats included statements calling for violence against Muslims and references to killing and shooting members of the religious group. Deputies obtained a search warrant and went to Chenault’s mobile home along U.S. Route 41 near Pondella Road on Friday.Authorities said a thorough investigation was conducted and no specific attack plan or imminent threat was identified.As part of a standard threat assessment, detectives confirmed Chenault did not own or have access to any firearms.Despite the lack of a specific plot, officials said the threats were taken seriously.”Everyone has the right to practice their religion of choice without fear,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement. Officials urged residents to report suspicious activity or potential threats, emphasizing cooperation with local religious leaders and organizations.During an interview with detectives, Chenault expressed remorse for the comments he made, according to the sheriff’s office. He was arrested and later released on bond.The incident has unsettled residents in North Fort Myers.”I didn’t think it would be that bad,” said Tyler Palmer, who lives in the area. “But hearing that, my whole spirit was disturbed.”Palmer, who is not Muslim, said the comments felt “very evil and hurtful” and said he does not believe in spreading hate toward any group.James Muwakkil, the president of the Lee County NAACP and a Muslim, condemned the comments and called for accountability.”The gentleman who made those terrible comments against the Muslims should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law,” Muwakkil said.Muwakkil added that the threats contradict the core principles of Islam.”Islam does not teach violence,” he said. “We do not seek trouble. We do not want trouble. But we must be cautious about where we are and what we are doing.”Local residents and community leaders expressed hope that the incident serves as a reminder to reject hate and promote understanding. DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.
NORTH FORT MYERS, Fla. —
A North Fort Myers man was arrested after allegedly posting repeated threatening comments targeting Muslims on YouTube, prompting an investigation by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI, authorities said.
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office said its Intelligence Unit was notified by the FBI on Jan. 2 about online comments that included violent threats against a religious group.
Detectives traced the posts to 64-year-old Fred Chenault, who authorities say had been making the comments for several weeks.
According to investigators, the threats included statements calling for violence against Muslims and references to killing and shooting members of the religious group. Deputies obtained a search warrant and went to Chenault’s mobile home along U.S. Route 41 near Pondella Road on Friday.
Authorities said a thorough investigation was conducted and no specific attack plan or imminent threat was identified.
As part of a standard threat assessment, detectives confirmed Chenault did not own or have access to any firearms.
Despite the lack of a specific plot, officials said the threats were taken seriously.
“Everyone has the right to practice their religion of choice without fear,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement. Officials urged residents to report suspicious activity or potential threats, emphasizing cooperation with local religious leaders and organizations.
During an interview with detectives, Chenault expressed remorse for the comments he made, according to the sheriff’s office. He was arrested and later released on bond.
The incident has unsettled residents in North Fort Myers.
“I didn’t think it would be that bad,” said Tyler Palmer, who lives in the area. “But hearing that, my whole spirit was disturbed.”
Palmer, who is not Muslim, said the comments felt “very evil and hurtful” and said he does not believe in spreading hate toward any group.
James Muwakkil, the president of the Lee County NAACP and a Muslim, condemned the comments and called for accountability.
“The gentleman who made those terrible comments against the Muslims should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law,” Muwakkil said.
Muwakkil added that the threats contradict the core principles of Islam.
“Islam does not teach violence,” he said. “We do not seek trouble. We do not want trouble. But we must be cautious about where we are and what we are doing.”
Local residents and community leaders expressed hope that the incident serves as a reminder to reject hate and promote understanding.
DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.