United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Georgia

07/18/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 07/18/2024 11:59

Roswell Man Indicted for Threatening FBI Director Christopher Wray

Press Release

Roswell Man Indicted for Threatening FBI Director Christopher Wray

Thursday, July 18, 2024
For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Northern District of Georgia

ATLANTA - John Woodbury has been indicted on federal charges of transmitting interstate threats to injure FBI Director Christopher Wray and others.

"Sending threats to physically harm a public official in an attempt to thwart the administration of justice is a criminal offense," said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. "Director Wray and other law enforcement officials work tirelessly to safeguard our freedoms and to protect our citizens from harm. Threats against such public servants, who have dedicated themselves to enforcing our criminal laws, is especially heinous. Our office will remain steadfast in helping to ensure that public officials are able to carry out their duties free from fear or intimidation."

According to U.S. Attorney Buchanan, the indictment, and other information presented in court: On June 7, 2023, Woodbury allegedly posted a message on 4chan.org that threatened violence against FBI Director Wray and others. In his message, Woodbury made statements that included the following: "Let's show them what a [expletive] 'Nazi' […] looks like […]. It's time to burn these [expletive] down and hang them from trees. Hit them where it [expletive] hurts. Hit Chris at his home. Make his family fear stepping one foot outside their [expletive] door."

John Woodbury, 34, of Roswell, Georgia was arrested and arraigned today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Catherine M. Salinas. Woodbury was indicted by a federal grand jury on July 9, 2024. Members of the public are reminded that the indictment only contains charges. The defendant is presumed innocent of the charges and it will be the government's burden to prove the defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.

This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew S. Carrico and Jennifer Keen are prosecuting the case.

For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney's Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.

Updated July 18, 2024
Topic
Countering Nation-State Threats