Trenton, New Jersey – A man from Mercer County was taken into custody on May 10 by U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger for allegedly making online threats to kill white individuals, it was announced on May 14.
Joshua Cobb, a 23-year-old resident of Trenton and a former U.S. Marine, faced charges of transmitting a threat in interstate and foreign commerce after mentioning the Jersey Strong Gym in Robbinsville and Aldi as potential locations for a mass shooting.
According to court documents, Cobb used a social media platform in December 2022 to post a threatening message directed at white people, expressing his desire to cause harm to the white community. He outlined plans for an attack in New Jersey in 2023, with specific details about his intended targets and strategies for the assault.
Subsequent posts made by Cobb in April and May 2023 revealed disturbing aspirations of becoming a serial killer, highlighting his violent intentions and deep-seated hatred. Law enforcement officials reported that Cobb confessed to authoring the threatening posts and provided information on his planned targets, access to firearms, and admiration for other mass shooters.
An investigation into Cobb’s activities uncovered additional disturbing notes on his cell phone, detailing his homicidal thoughts and preparations for carrying out violent attacks. The potential threat posed by Cobb led to his arrest and subsequent legal proceedings.
The FBI Newark Joint Terrorism Task Force, in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies, conducted the investigation that led to Cobb’s apprehension. The seriousness of the charges against Cobb underscores the potential consequences of making threats of violence in interstate and foreign communications.
The case serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance in monitoring and addressing threats to public safety, particularly in the context of escalating tensions and potential acts of domestic terrorism. Authorities emphasized that threats against any community, regardless of race or ethnicity, will not be tolerated and will be met with swift and decisive action.
As the legal process unfolds, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty, with the gravity of the charges reflecting the seriousness of the allegations and the potential harm posed by individuals advocating violence in any form. The collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies highlighted in this case demonstrate the proactive measures taken to safeguard communities and prevent acts of violence from materializing.
