The FBI arrested an El Paso, Texas man in June 2020 after a YouTube video that allegedly threatened Black Lives Matter protesters, according to USA Today and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Authorities say Manuel, 42, a truck driver, posted the video under the account name “Don’t C.A. My TX.” A rifle is visible near his feet in the footage and his face is not shown. A federal criminal complaint alleges he made threats of violence against protesters and challenged them to stop him. He was arrested on a federal charge in Dallas after a tip came in to the FBI National Threat Operations Center.
Court documents say agents traced the post to his phone and went to his El Paso home early Sunday morning. According to the complaint, he admitted the account was his and blamed the video on several beers he drank that day. The complaint says he did not remember what he said and took the video down while agents were at his home. It also says he told agents he loves America, is upset about current events, and has no intention of hurting anyone. Agents reported he was remorseful. Authorities said they found a rifle and ammunition in his bedroom, and that he was arrested without incident.
U.S. Attorney John F. Bash said on Twitter that his office would treat any threats of violence against protesters extremely seriously.
Manuel made his first court appearance Tuesday before a Dallas magistrate judge. He was in the custody of the U.S. Marshals and was expected to be sent to El Paso. If convicted, the charge carries up to five years in federal prison. A criminal complaint is an accusation, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
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