The FBI has arrested a suspected white supremacist calling for the mass murder of Jews following an agency raid in Los Angeles, California.
“As alleged, this convicted felon affiliated with a violent white supremacist group that advocates horrific acts of violence against Jews appears to be manufacturing firearms and in possession of an improvised explosive device,” U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada said in a statement. to CBS News.
The prosecutor added that the potential danger to the community cannot be overstated, adding that they will continue to investigate to ensure that the suspect, identified as Ryan Scott Bradford, is held accountable for his alleged crimes, and to keep the community away from him. “a hateful and racist ideology.”
According to the Department of Justice, Bradford was affiliated with the racially motivated violent extremist group called the San Fernando Valley Peckerwoods.
The Peckerwoods reportedly originated from California state prisons, and were part of racially motivated violence, drug trafficking, as well as firearms.
“The defendant describes himself as an anti-Semite associated with a white supremacist group that espouses hatred of Jews and other minorities,” said Donald Alway, deputy director in charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles field office. “Hateful rhetoric that crosses the line into violence will draw the attention of law enforcement and those who engage in such extremism will be held accountable if they act on their violent rhetoric.”
At his home in the Reseda neighborhood, federal and local agents seized various firearm accessories that allow a weapon to be converted from semi-automatic to automatic, as well as an apparent improvised explosive device, known as an IED.
Two 3-D printers were also found, one of which was painted with swastikas, various types of Nazi propaganda and 100 rounds of ammunition.
According to federal prosecutors, Bradford was prohibited from possessing ammunition because of a 2012 robbery conviction.
The first criminal complaint against Bradford came after he received a criminal call in which he used online forums to post racist comments against Jews.including calling for the mass murder and genocide of Jews.
Investigators established their connection to Peckerwoods after discovering an Amazon account with the username “Peck Erwood” and a woodpecker avatar connected to the racist extremist group.
The suspect allegedly used Telegram to send out links and instruction manuals on hand grenades, biological warfare and the ‘Aryan Revolution,’ according to prosecutors. He was also charged with manufacturing firearms and firearm parts for others using 3D printers.
Investigators found in his home a calendar marked with a handwritten note that read: “New Year’s Resolution: Conquer the World: Save the Aryan Race and ‘Bake Every Jew.'”
Similarly, Bradford is accused of coordinating the distribution of methamphetamineaccording to the criminal complaint.
If convicted, Bradford will face a maximum sentence of 29 years in federal prison on drug conspiracy charges, and up to 15 years on one ammunition possession charge.
With information from CBSNews
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