MIAMI: The FBI on Tuesday arrested a man who allegedly made a threat against a Florida Islamic centre because he was angry about the Paris attacks, authorities said.

Shortly after learning of the attacks in the French capital that left at least 129 people dead, Martin Alan Schnitzler left a message late Friday with the Islamic Society of Pinellas County, according to the criminal complaint against him.

The Islamic State extremist group has claimed responsibility for the Paris carnage.

In his message, Schnitzler said his call was made in light of what happened in France, warning that he was “going to personally have a militia that is going to come down to your Islamic Society of Pinellas County, firebomb you, and shoot whoever is there".

Police had no trouble finding Schnitzler via the cell phone he used to place the call.

In questioning over the weekend, Schnitzler said he was “very mad” about the terror attacks and had searched on the Internet for Islam and Pinellas county.

A search of his home, however, turned up no evidence of any dangerous materials, the court document said.

Still, he faces up to 10 years in jail on the threat by telephone charge, if convicted.

Opinion

Editorial

Business concerns
Updated 26 Apr, 2024

Business concerns

There is no doubt that these issues are impeding a positive business clime, which is required to boost private investment and economic growth.
Musical chairs
26 Apr, 2024

Musical chairs

THE petitioners are quite helpless. Yet again, they are being expected to wait while the bench supposed to hear...
Global arms race
26 Apr, 2024

Global arms race

THE figure is staggering. According to the annual report of Sweden-based think tank Stockholm International Peace...
Digital growth
Updated 25 Apr, 2024

Digital growth

Democratising digital development will catalyse a rapid, if not immediate, improvement in human development indicators for the underserved segments of the Pakistani citizenry.
Nikah rights
25 Apr, 2024

Nikah rights

THE Supreme Court recently delivered a judgement championing the rights of women within a marriage. The ruling...
Campus crackdowns
25 Apr, 2024

Campus crackdowns

WHILE most Western governments have either been gladly facilitating Israel’s genocidal war in Gaza, or meekly...