Florida Teen Faces Federal Charges for Thanksgiving Mass Shooting Threat in NYC
A 19-year-old Florida teen, Robert Trout III, is now facing federal charges for allegedly threatening a mass shooting in New York City on Thanksgiving. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Trout posted a video on Instagram in which he made explicit threats to cause harm in the subway on Thanksgiving.
Key Details:
- Threats on Instagram: Trout allegedly posted a video on Instagram in which he threatened to go to New York City and create chaos on the subway, intending to shoot anyone he sees on Thanksgiving.
- Display of Firearms: During the Instagram video, Trout reportedly displayed multiple firearms, including two semiautomatic guns with extended clips containing a total of 60 bullets. He explicitly mentioned the potential death toll of 60 people.
- Identification: Investigators identified Trout as the person behind the threats through witness statements and recent posts on his Instagram account.
- Arrest and Court Appearance: Trout made his first court appearance in federal court in Tampa, where he was ordered to be held without bail until his next court appearance on December 18.
- Potential Conviction: If convicted, Trout could face up to five years in prison.
The case highlights the serious consequences individuals may face for making threats online, especially those involving violence and harm to others. Federal authorities are taking such threats seriously to ensure the safety of the public.