A Florida man has been arrested and charged with making violent threats against U.S. Attorney Alina Habba, a significant escalation in the alarming trend of threats against federal officials. Salvador Risotto, 37, was taken into custody this morning in Orlando following an indictment by a grand jury in the Middle District of Florida.

The charges stem from a series of menacing posts made on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) in May, where Risotto unleashed a torrent of grotesque threats, including calls for death and violence against Habba. These messages, deemed too vulgar to quote in detail, reflect a deeply troubling climate of hostility directed at public officials.

U.S. Attorney Greg Kahoe and FBI Special Agent Matt Voter held a press conference to underscore the seriousness of the situation. Kahoe stated emphatically, “If you threaten to kill or injure any person in the Middle District of Florida, we will identify, pursue, and prosecute you.” This statement highlights the zero-tolerance approach law enforcement is taking against such threats, which not only endanger individuals but also undermine the very fabric of society.

The swift action taken by the FBI, in collaboration with local law enforcement, demonstrates a robust commitment to public safety. Risotto’s arrest follows a thorough investigation that traced his threatening communications back to an IP address in Orlando. Voter stressed that online threats provide no cover, asserting, “When you hit send on that threatening post, you will face the consequences.”

As the nation grapples with a rising tide of threats against officials, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for vigilance and accountability in protecting those who serve the public good. Law enforcement agencies remain steadfast in their mission to disrupt violent behavior and uphold safety in communities across the United States.