A man from Wendell, North Carolina, has been arrested following allegations of making threats against executives at Advance Auto Parts. The arrest was made on the basis of a criminal complaint concerning interstate communication of threats.
U.S. Attorney Michael F. Easley, Jr., emphasized the seriousness of such actions stating, "Whether targeting a kid in a classroom or a boss in a boardroom, we won’t normalize violent threats meant to intimidate workers or strike fear in families. Threats to kill are not how we resolve differences in America, and it’s a federal crime." He further asserted that swift action would be taken against anyone threatening Americans for their beliefs, prayers, or workplaces.
Court documents reveal that on December 6, 2024, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) was alerted by Advance Auto Parts about threatening messages sent through the company's website. The messages demanded changes regarding "the moron who administrates your app and webpage," with a deadline set for December 25.
The complaint identifies Edward Scott Huffman, aged 46 from Wendell, as the sender of these messages. Huffman reportedly admitted to sending them during an interview with law enforcement. A search of his cellphone revealed an image of a rifle equipped with a scope and text message exchanges where Huffman allegedly expressed intentions to murder UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson if he were provided $50,000 and an untraceable rifle.
Huffman faces one count of transmitting a threat in interstate commerce. If found guilty, he could face up to five years in prison.
The announcement was made by Michael F. Easley, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina. The case is being investigated by the FBI and Wendell Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Leonard Champaign.
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