Federal Way Man Charged with Making Threats Against the President and Assaulting a Federal Agent

Brandished Shotgun at Law Enforcement Officers at His Door

SEATTLE—A Federal Way, Washington man who e-mailed threats against President Barack Obama appeared in U.S. District Court in Seattle today, charged by criminal complaint with making a threat against the president and assault of a federal agent or employee. Anton Calouri, 31, remains in custody at the Federal Detention Center at Sea-Tac, Washington. A detention hearing has been scheduled for Monday August 27, 2012, at 2:00 p.m.

“Recent national events are a stark reminder that we must take these threats of death or violence seriously,” said U.S. Attorney Jenny A. Durkan. “This case had all the troubling ingredients: threats of violence and explosive devices, multiple weapons with hundreds of rounds, and even brandishing of a weapon at law enforcement.”

“The United States Secret Service takes all threats against its protectees seriously. This situation is indicative of how a routine investigation can very easily turn violent,” said James Helminski, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Secret Service Seattle. “We appreciate the professionalism of the Federal Way Police Department in defusing this potentially volatile situation and in the ongoing investigation.”

According to the criminal complaint, a U.S. Secret Service agent and members of the Federal Way Police Department went to Calouri’s apartment after he allegedly sent an e-mail threatening to kill the president to the FBI. When Calouri opened the apartment door to agents, he was holding a shotgun. He allegedly raised it, pointing it at law enforcement. The Secret Service agent and a Federal Way Police officer were able to wrestle the gun away from Calouri and subdue him. Due to the content of the e-mail threats and statements made by Calouri to law enforcement, the apartment was searched for explosives. No explosives were found. However, other high-powered weapons were found in the apartment.

Making a threat against the president is punishable by up to five years in prison. Assault of a federal agent is punishable by up to 20 years in prison.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Steven Masada.

Press contact for the U.S. Attorney’s Office is Emily Langlie (206) 553-4110 or Emily.Langlie@usdoj.gov.