BUFFALO, N.Y. – In a disturbing case of threats against a federal facility, Demont Coston, 56, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty to assault upon a federal employee, a crime that carries a maximum penalty of one year in prison and a $1,000,000 fine.
According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew J. Henning, who is handling the case, Coston made repeated threats to blow-up the Buffalo VA facility. On September 12, 2023, Coston called the U.S. Veterans Affairs Crisis Line and made threats to blow-up the facility. Later that same day, he again called the VA Crisis Line and stated that “I should go blow… I should go burn the building down.”
On September 14, 2023, Coston texted the Crisis Line that “The VA haven’t done (expletive) for me in 30 years, it’s time to get rid of it, by any means necessary.” Coston also said that he would be “Taking out all V.A. facilities, but I have 1 n mind first” and “I’m in DC, near the main VA ha ha ha good, I know where to hit them.”
The plea is the result of an investigation by the VA Medical Center Police, under the direction of Chief Richard King and the VA Office of Inspector General, Criminal Investigations Division, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Christopher Algieri.
Demont Coston’s guilty plea is a significant blow to those who would seek to harm our nation’s veterans and their families. We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of our nation’s facilities.
Sentencing is scheduled for July 11, 2024, at 3:30 p.m. before Judge Roemer.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of New York is committed to protecting our nation’s veterans and holding those who would harm them accountable for their actions.
Key Facts
- State: New York
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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