Former Soldier Sentenced For Threatening Personnel At Fort Irwin

RIVERSIDE, CA — A federal judge on Thursday handed down a two-year prison sentence to a former soldier who pleaded guilty in June to threatening fellow military personnel stationed at Fort Irwin in San Bernardino County, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.

According to federal prosecutors, Christian Ernest Beyer, 42, of Petaluma, posted a three-minute YouTube video last October that included direct threats toward four victims and their families at Fort Irwin.

The Department of Justice said Beyer was formerly stationed at the army base and was court-martialed in 2021 for assault. He has been in federal custody since November. In June, Beyer pleaded guilty to one count of sending threats by interstate communication.

"Today's sentence is a stern reminder that anyone who harms innocent military members and their families will serve jail time," said Akil Davis, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI's Los Angeles Field Office. "The FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force will continue to investigate all threats against those who bravely serve their country."