Two Men Indicted for Threatening ICE Officer and His Wife in Georgia
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A federal grand jury in Georgia has charged two individuals with making violent threats against a U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) deportation officer and his wife, highlighting a growing concern over the safety of law enforcement personnel and their families. The indictments, handed down on September 23, underscore the Justice Department’s commitment to prosecuting those who attempt to intimidate or harm federal agents.
Online Threats Spark Federal Investigation
The case centers around Frank Andrew Waszut, 41, of Knoxville, Tennessee, who allegedly posted a video on Instagram identifying an ICE officer working in the Northern District of Georgia. According to court documents, Waszut’s video included the statement: “And he’s an ICE agent. This is him unmasked. … So, go ahead and make him famous. And if you see this [expletive] out in public give him the cell block one treatment. You know, catch him when he’s alone.” Officials interpret “cell block one treatment” as a call for physical violence.
Waszut is currently in Texas law enforcement custody facing separate charges related to terroristic threats against Republican lawmakers.
The second suspect, Anthony Patrick Noto, 63, of Ronkonkoma, New York, allegedly posted a menacing comment under a picture of the officer’s wife on Instagram. He reportedly wrote, “Anybody wanna test the sites [sic] on their new A-R? There’s a pretty good target right there!” Officials clarified that “A-R” refers to a semiautomatic rifle. Noto has been taken into federal custody and arraigned on the indictment.
Escalating Threats Against Law Enforcement
This case is not isolated. The indictments follow other recent incidents involving threats against ICE personnel. Previously, three women were indicted for allegedly livestreaming a chase of an ICE agent to his home and posting his address online. Additionally, authorities in Ohio recently arrested a man accused of threatening to murder ICE agents.
These incidents have prompted increased security measures, with Border Patrol agents now routinely wearing masks or neck coverings during patrols and raids to conceal their identities. Photos of ICE raids are increasingly taken from the back to protect the anonymity of federal agents.
Justice Department Vows Prosecution
U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg issued a strong statement condemning the threats. “Federal agents deserve to perform their duties free of harassment from keyboard warriors and other agitators,” he said. “Threatening law enforcement officers and their families is not only illegal—it’s disgusting. My office will ensure that anyone who threatens a federal agent in North Georgia, or who hides behind a computer screen to intimidate that agent’s immediate family, is found, arrested, prosecuted, and held accountable.”
Paul Brown, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Atlanta field office, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the impact of such threats on the justice system. “Threats of violence against law enforcement officers and their families are not only reprehensible, but also a direct attack on the safety and integrity of our justice system,” Brown stated. “These charges serve as a clear reminder that threats of this nature will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
