FL Man Pleads Guilty To Threatening To Kill Federal Officials: U.S. DOJ

NEW PORT RICHEY, FL — A Florida man pleaded guilty to interstate transmission of threats to kill multiple federal officials, the U.S. Department of Justice said in a news release.

Benjamin Rubin, 79, of New Port Richey faces up to 10 years in federal prison. A sentencing date hasn’t been set.

Rubin began “posting about his frustrations on social media” in February, the department said.

“The tenor of his postings became increasingly violent and he began threatening to injure and kill United States officials and political figures,” the DOJ said.

On February 20, Rubin posted that the head of a federal law enforcement agency “will be assassinated.”

Two days later, Rubin posted “I shot my TV when [U.S. cabinet member] appeared in an ad on illegals. Next time I see her in person the shots will be for her," according to the DOJ.

This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pasco Sheriff’s Office.

It's being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Joseph Wheeler, III.

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