MOSCOW, December 25 (Sputnik) — A Colorado man is facing federal charges after he posted threats against police in a YouTube comment section under the username, "Vets Hunting Cops," reports Fox News.
The police identified the man as Jeremiah Perez, a 33-year-old Air Force veteran from Colorado Springs.
"The perceived anonymity of the Internet will not serve as a shield for espousing violence in violation of federal law," a federal agent told Fox News.
One of the posts reportedly read, "WE, VETERANS WILL KILL RETIRED HELPLESS COPS."
Perez who admitted that he was behind the posts, stated that his intention was to "engage YouTube viewers in conversation." He was reportedly charged with transmitting a threat in interstate and foreign commerce and, if convicted, faces up to five years in prison.
Two New York City police officers were shot and killed by a sole gunman last weekend. The New York police said in a statement on Wednesday that four people were arrested after investigating threats made into online postings.
The gunman in that shooting, Ismaaiyl Brinsley, earlier wrote on his Instagram account: "I'm putting wings on pigs today. They take 1 of ours, let's take 2 of theirs,” reports Fox News.
Law enforcement across the US is tightening security to perceived online threats.
