South Carolina man arrested for sending death threats to New York reporter

Austin Suman, a 35-year-old man from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, has been arrested and charged with making racist death threats to a New York reporter online. Suman faces charges of willfully making a threat involving explosives and interstate stalking, which could result in up to 20 years in prison. The threats, sent via Facebook and email on November 8, included racial slurs and derogatory language, with Suman warning the reporter that he would “end you and your family.” Suman’s anger towards the reporter stemmed from an article written about him in February 2019 regarding allegations of threatening a roommate with a gun. In his messages, Suman claimed to have more guns and made threatening statements like “I’m full auto now.” Prosecutors emphasized the seriousness of threats against the press, stating that individuals who make hate-based threats will be found and held accountable for their actions. Damian Williams, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, declared that neutralizing threats against the press is a priority and warned against crossing the line and making such threats. It is unclear if Suman has retained an attorney at this time.

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