A 35-year-old man from Iola has been indicted by a federal grand jury after authorities say he posted online threats targeting federal law enforcement, the White House and others, according to a federal press release.
Peter James Bloomfield remains in custody after his June 24 arrest, and he is expected to appear before a U.S. magistrate judge in Houston for arraignment in the near future, according to the release.
The indictment alleges that investigators found a Texas-based X account with multiple threatening posts directed at federal law enforcement and others. According to the charges, the account included messages about locating the nearest FBI building, killing federal agents and others, spending money to blow up the White House, and making negative comments about America. Bloomfield is linked to that account, the indictment alleges.
Law enforcement also identified a Facebook account in Bloomfield’s name that used the same profile image as the X account, according to the release. The indictment alleges that the account posted additional threats against federal agents and notable figures, including comments about making a hit list that included President Trump during a Fox News broadcast of a recent Senate floor hearing.
A federal search warrant at Bloomfield’s residence allegedly turned up more than 20 firearms and a significant amount of ammunition, according to the release.
If convicted, Bloomfield faces up to five years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine per count.
The FBI’s Bryan Resident Agency led the investigation with help from the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Houston County, Alabama, Sheriff’s Office, the Secret Service and the Grimes County Constable’s Office, according to the release. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Ganz is prosecuting the case.
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