Maryland Man Admits to Online Threats of Violence Targeting Black and Muslim Communities

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland, a 46-year-old Aberdeen resident has pleaded guilty to making threats of violence that were transmitted via interstate communication. Raymond Pumphrey entered his guilty plea in federal court, admitting to charges that included advocating for and threatening to carry out the killing of Black individuals in various cities across the United States, as well as threatening politicians and their families. These threats were reportedly made through posts on social media platforms, including YouTube, and were accompanied by hateful rhetoric targeting Black and Muslim communities.

Pumphrey’s online activities involved commenting on news stories and expressing intentions that extended to committing violent acts. The investigation into his activities was a collaborative effort involving the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Baltimore Field Office and the U.S. Secret Service (USSS) Baltimore Field Office. U.S. Attorney Kelly O. Hayes for the District of Maryland, alongside Harmeet K. Dhillon, Assistant Attorney General for the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division, announced the guilty plea. The sentencing for Pumphrey is scheduled for June 29 at 10 a.m., where he faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Aubin.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Maryland

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