A Binghamton local was charged with making threats through interstate communications after allegedly leaving several comments toward the president of the United States, his supporters and federal immigration agents.
Jeffrey Scott Hamm Jr., 32, made an appearance on Feb. 27 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Miroslav Lovric in the Northern District of New York’s courthouse in Downtown Binghamton. Hamm is accused of leaving comments threatening President Donald Trump and ICE agents after allegedly leaving online comments in January like “Kill All MAGA, Revolution” and “2nd Amendment. We have every right to kill ICE agents.” He remains in custody pending further proceedings.
Hamm’s charges carry a maximum sentence of five years in jail, a fine of up to $250,000 and supervised release of up to three years.
Authorities were first alerted on Feb. 24 after Google notified the Federal Bureau of Investigation over threatening YouTube comments posted between Jan. 8 and Feb. 19 left by a user under the handle @JusticePeaceUnity. The Federal Bureau of Investigation later identified the user as Hamm.
“Just know if you come to my door I’m gonna die with a gun in my hand pointing at ICE or some Federal Agent,” Hamm wrote in a post between Feb. 15 and 16. “I’m not going to a concentration camp.”
The FBI later received and carried out a warrant on Hamm’s home at 53 Moeller St., Apt. 2 in Binghamton on the evening of Feb. 26, after Google provided the FBI with identifying information. He was then taken into custody. During a recorded interview at the Broome County Sheriff’s Office, Hamm waived his Miranda rights and showed agents his phone. During the interview, he confirmed he was the owner of the account.
“Mr. Hamm tried to hide behind a keyboard, but this arrest should prove if you’re making dangerous threats of violence online, the FBI will find you and hold you accountable,” FBI Special Agent in Charge Craig Tremaroli said in a press release announcing the arrest. “Threats of violence against the President, public officials, law enforcement, or any member of our community are illegal and will not be tolerated. FBI Albany will continue to leverage the partnerships and resources of our Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) to identify, investigate, and ensure anyone taking part in such illegal activity is brought to justice.”
A request for comment has been left with the FBI.
This is a developing story and will be updated.