In a recent development from the Northern District of Texas, a Burleson man has been charged with possessing a destructive device. Noah Robert Calderon, a 22-year-old individual, allegedly idolized the perpetrators of the Columbine High School shooting and has been charged with possession of a homemade bomb. U.S. Attorney Leigha Simonton emphasized that Calderon exhibited several concerning indicators, including a fascination with mass shooters, an obsession with weapons, and animosity towards a protected class. The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the FBI acted swiftly to apprehend Calderon, potentially averting a mass tragedy. The public is encouraged to report any worrisome behavior to law enforcement.
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Burleson Man Charged With Possessing Destructive Device
On May 16, 2023, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas announced that a Burleson man had been charged with possessing a homemade bomb. The individual in question, Noah Robert Calderon, 22, allegedly idolized the Columbine High School shooters and exhibited several indicators of potential violence. The charges were filed against Calderon via criminal complaint on April 18, and he was indicted on May 10 on one count of possession of a destructive device. He made his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeffrey L. Cureton on May 15, 2023.
Charges and Arrest
In an official announcement, U.S. Attorney Leigha Simonton revealed the charges against Noah Robert Calderon. He was charged with possession of a destructive device, a serious offense that carries severe penalties. The criminal complaint was filed on April 18, and Calderon was indicted by a grand jury on May 10. The charges were the result of a thorough investigation conducted by law enforcement agencies.
Indictment and Initial Appearance
The indictment against Noah Robert Calderon was issued on May 10, 2023. Following the indictment, Calderon made his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeffrey L. Cureton on May 15, 2023. During the initial appearance, the defendant’s identity was confirmed, and he was formally informed of the charges against him.
Signs of Potential Violence
Noah Robert Calderon exhibited several signs that raised concerns about his potential for violence. These signs included a fascination with mass shooters, an obsession with weapons, and a deep-seated hatred towards a protected class. These indicators, along with evidence suggesting that Calderon had progressed from ideation to planning and preparation, prompted law enforcement agencies to take swift action to ensure the safety of the public.
FBI Investigation
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) played a crucial role in the investigation into Noah Robert Calderon. The FBI’s top priority is to protect the communities it serves from acts of violence, and Calderon’s actions posed a potential threat to public safety. In response, the FBI mobilized its resources quickly to ensure that no harm befell innocent individuals. The FBI also stressed the importance of public vigilance and encouraged individuals to report any worrisome behavior they may come across.
Social Media Posts
Noah Robert Calderon’s social media posts played a pivotal role in alerting law enforcement to his potential dangers. The FBI was initially alerted to SnapChat images allegedly posted by Calderon in October 2022. These images depicted homemade explosives, including one that was marked with “SS,” an apparent reference to the notorious Nazi paramilitary organization. Calderon’s social media accounts further revealed his embrace of white supremacist ideology and a fascination with high-profile mass shootings, particularly the 1999 massacre at Columbine High School.
Tip About Homemade Bomb
The FBI received a tip about Noah Robert Calderon’s involvement with a homemade bomb. The tip indicated that Calderon had detonated a homemade bomb in a residential neighborhood, leading to corroborating 911 calls reporting a loud concussive sound and smoke. To further investigate this tip and gather evidence, law enforcement agencies reviewed Calderon’s Google account. The search history revealed queries related to the Columbine killers, the Charleston church shooter, and instructions for making various types of explosive devices.
Search Warrant Execution
On April 17, 2023, law enforcement agents executed a federal search warrant at Noah Robert Calderon’s residence in Burleson, Texas. During the search, they discovered a brown shoe box in the garage that contained items typically associated with bomb-making and detonation. Additionally, they found a glass jar labeled “frag,” which contained metal bb’s and lead, as well as a white plastic container holding 659.2 grams of explosive powder. In Calderon’s room, a handwritten document labeled “Manifesto” was recovered, glorifying the Columbine shooters and espousing white supremacist beliefs.
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Discovery of Bomb-Making Materials
The search conducted at Noah Robert Calderon’s residence yielded several items that are commonly used in the creation of explosive devices. Within the brown shoe box, law enforcement agents discovered a glass jar labeled “frag,” containing metal bb’s and lead, which could serve as shrapnel in a bomb. They also found a white plastic container filled with 659.2 grams of explosive powder, further substantiating the connection to bomb-making and detonation. The nature and amount of the explosive materials discovered pointed to Calderon’s intention to cause harm and destruction.
Possibility of Conviction and Sentencing
It is important to emphasize that indictments and criminal complaints are merely allegations of criminal conduct and should not be mistaken for evidence. Noah Robert Calderon is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. However, if convicted, he faces up to 10 years in federal prison. The prosecution, represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Weimer, will present the evidence against Calderon, while the defense will mount a case to challenge the allegations and protect the defendant’s rights.
In conclusion, the charges against Noah Robert Calderon for possessing a destructive device highlight the potential dangers posed by individuals with extremist ideologies and violent tendencies. The swift response by law enforcement agencies, particularly the FBI, demonstrates the commitment to ensuring public safety. It is essential for the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behavior, as it could help prevent potential acts of violence. The successful execution of the search warrant and the discovery of bomb-making materials underscore the need for continued vigilance and the thorough investigation of potential threats. Ultimately, it will be up to the criminal justice system to determine Calderon’s guilt or innocence and, if convicted, to impose an appropriate sentence that reflects the seriousness of his alleged crimes.
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