Evergreen Man Sentenced for Mass Violence Threats

Evergreen, CO – In a disturbing case of mass violence threats, Kyle William Staebell, a 34-year-old Evergreen man, was sentenced to 21 months in prison for threatening to commit mass violence at the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) office in Denver, an office of the Department of Homeland Security, and a Colorado-based performing arts group’s location.

According to the defendant’s plea, on January 16, 2023, Staebell threatened to commit mass violence at the three locations. Thanks to the swift investigative work of the FBI, the Denver Police Department, the Lakewood Police Department, and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, the defendant was arrested that same day.

Subsequent investigation revealed that, in the month before issuing the threats, Staebell went to each of the three locations in person, conducted online research regarding acts of mass violence, and possessed a Molotov cocktail. The FBI urges the public to report suspicious or threatening behavior to their local law enforcement or by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI or submitting a tip online at https://tips.fbi.gov.

“The Office of the United States Attorney of Colorado is committed to prosecuting individuals who threaten the safety and security of Coloradans,” said U.S. Attorney for the District of Colorado Cole Finegan. “We remain grateful to our law enforcement partners who were able to swiftly investigate this case and keep our communities safe.”

FBI Denver Special Agent in Charge Mark Michalek added, “Free speech is protected by the First Amendment, but when speech crosses the line into threats of violence, it becomes a crime. Violence and threats of violence have no place in our society, and this sentence demonstrates our resolve to disrupt plots to commit mass violence and keep our communities safe.”

United States District Court Judge Daniel D. Domenico sentenced the defendant on May 1, 2024. The FBI Denver Field Division conducted the investigation, while Assistant United States Attorney Laura Cramer-Babycz handled the prosecution of the case.

Kyle Staebell’s arrest and subsequent sentencing are a stark reminder of the importance of vigilant law enforcement and the need for the public to report suspicious behavior. As the investigation revealed, even seemingly innocuous acts can escalate into violent threats, and it’s up to us to ensure that our communities remain safe.

The FBI’s efforts in this case are a testament to their commitment to protecting the public and disrupting plots to commit mass violence. We must continue to support their work and keep our communities informed about the importance of reporting suspicious behavior.