Arizona Man Pleads Guilty To Threatening Public Servants

Michael Lee Tomasi pleaded guilty to making threats against authorities and public officials.

At a Glance

Michael Lee Tomasi of Rio Verde, Arizona, pleaded guilty to making threats against federal officials.
The threats spanned from May 2021 through November 2023 and were made while living in Colorado and Arizona.
Tomasi used social media to incite violence against a city district attorney, state court judge, a member of Congress, and FBI agents.
He faces up to 10 years in prison with sentencing scheduled for October 23.

Tomasi’s Guilty Plea and Threats

Michael Lee Tomasi, 37, of Rio Verde, Arizona, pleaded guilty this week to making online threats against law enforcement officers and public servants. These threats were made from May 2021 to November 2023, while Tomasi resided in Colorado and Arizona. He used a social media platform to incite violence and intimidate various individuals, including federal officials and law enforcement officers.

The seriousness of Tomasi’s threats became particularly clear with his August 26, 2023, post where he explicitly threatened to kill FBI agents to impede, intimidate, or interfere with their duties. This culmination of threats caused significant concern among law enforcement and politicians alike.

Federal Authorities Respond

Attorney General Merrick B. Garland stated, “Threats of violence against elected officials, judges, and FBI agents pose immense danger to the physical safety of individual victims and undermine our very system of government.” This sentiment was echoed by FBI Director Christopher Wray, who highlighted the severe impact such threats have on law enforcement and democracy.

“Threatening law enforcement officers and elected officials strikes at the heart of our communities and our democracy,” said Wray.

Arizona Man Pleads Guilty for Making Online Threats Against Public Servants Including Federal Officials https://t.co/e4duw9oDnZ pic.twitter.com/wwArB7mg0f

— FBI (@FBI) August 15, 2024

Tomasi’s Preparedness to Act

U.S. Attorney Gary Restaino emphasized Tomasi’s readiness to carry out his threats. When arrested, Tomasi had a loaded handgun in his vehicle and other firearms and body armor at his residence. These revelations further raised alarms about the severity of online threats materializing into real-life actions.

“Tomasi threatened officials from all three branches of government,” said Restaino. “Moreover, he was prepared to carry out his threats: when arrested he had a loaded handgun in his vehicle, as well as other firearms and body armor in his home.”

Next Steps and Investigation

Tomasi now faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. His sentencing is scheduled for October 23, and the case continues to be investigated by the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Raymond K. Woo and Abbie Broughton Marsh, along with Trial Attorney Dmitriy Slavin of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section, are prosecuting the case.

These developments illustrate the grave consequences that ensue from making threats against public officials and law enforcement officers. It also underscores the importance of holding individuals accountable to maintain the safety and order within our communities and government institutions.