The Department of Justice on Friday announced a federal indictment against a Florida man accused of threatening to kill the interim U.S. Attorney for New Jersey, Alina Habba.
The suspect, 58-year-old Salvatore Russotto of Orlando, allegedly posted a series of threats on the social media platform X.
Law enforcement officials said Russotto repeatedly used the number “86” in his posts. While the term traditionally refers to something being removed or canceled in restaurant slang, authorities say it is also used to refer to assassination.
According to a DOJ press release, Russotto posted statements such as “Eliminate HABBA. 86 Traitor. Death penalty for all traitors” and “I HOPE YOU DIE A PAINFUL DEATH.”
A federal grand jury charged Russotto with two counts: one for threatening to injure and kill a federal official, and another for retaliating against a law enforcement officer using threats.
If convicted on both charges, Russotto faces a potential maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison, the Conservative Brief reported.
Greg Kehoe, interim U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida, announced the indictment. No specific motive behind Russotto’s threats was released.
Russotto’s posts were made on May 19, the same day Habba announced charges against Rep.