Two ‘Social Media Provocateurs’ Charged With Threatening North Georgia ICE Agent and His Wife
ATLANTA, Ga. — Two men described by authorities as “social media provocateurs” have been federally charged for allegedly making violent online threats against a north Georgia ICE deportation officer and his wife, according to prosecutors.
Federal Indictment for Online Threats
A federal grand jury indicted 41-year-old Frank Andrew Waszut of Knoxville, Tennessee, and 63-year-old Anthony Patrick Noto of Ronkonkoma, New York, on September 23 for knowingly transmitting threats to injure the officer and his spouse. The charges were announced Tuesday by U.S. Attorney Theodore Hertzberg for the Northern District of Georgia.
According to court documents, Waszut posted a video on Instagram identifying the ICE agent, displaying photos of him, and encouraging followers to target him. “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,” Waszut allegedly said.
Prosecutors explained that “cell block one treatment” refers to physical violence inflicted on inmates in custody.
New York Man’s Threatening Comment
Investigators said that Noto posted a comment under a photo of the agent’s wife, writing, “Anybody wanna test the sites [sic] on their new A-R? There’s a pretty good target right there!” Officials clarified that “A-R” referred to a semiautomatic rifle, intensifying the seriousness of the threat.
Noto has since been arrested and arraigned on his federal indictment. Waszut remains in state custody in Texas, where he faces separate charges for allegedly making terroristic threats against Republican lawmakers.
Prosecutors Condemn Harassment of Federal Agents
U.S. Attorney Hertzberg condemned the actions of both men, emphasizing that law enforcement officers must be protected from harassment and intimidation. “Federal agents deserve to perform their duties free of harassment from keyboard warriors and other agitators,” Hertzberg said. “Threatening law enforcement officers and their families is not only illegal — it’s disgusting. My office will ensure that anyone who hides behind a computer screen to intimidate a federal agent or their family is prosecuted and held accountable.”
The Saluda Standard-Sentinel encourages readers to share their views on digital safety and the rise of online threats against public officials at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
