The Department of Justice has indicted Salvatore Russotto, 58, of Orlando, Florida, on two federal counts for online threats against interim U.S. Attorney for New Jersey Alina Habba. Russotto allegedly used the term “86,” slang for “eliminate,” in multiple threatening posts on X, including statements like “Eliminate HABBA” and “I HOPE YOU DIE A PAINFUL DEATH.” If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in prison. His threats were posted May 19, the same day Habba filed charges against Rep. LaMonica McIver (D-NJ) for interfering with federal agents. McIver, who pleaded not guilty, is set to stand trial in November.
Habba, a former Trump attorney, was appointed interim U.S. Attorney by President Trump and may be nominated permanently. The case follows controversy over a deleted Instagram post by ex-FBI Director James Comey, interpreted as referencing assassination with the numbers “86 47.” FBI Director Kash Patel, also a Trump appointee, warned of “copycat” threats and praised the FBI’s swift action in Russotto’s arrest, denouncing political violence.
