Threats to Murder at Howard University
A chilling act of hate has been brought to justice in the Commonwealth. John Edgar Rust, a 26-year-old Alexandria resident, pleaded guilty to threatening to murder African-Americans at Howard University, a historically black university in Washington, D.C. The heinous crime occurred on the night of November 11, 2015.
According to court documents, Rust entered a restaurant in Alexandria and connected his computer and laptop to the store’s wireless Internet connection. He then posted a threat online to murder African-Americans at Howard University the next day. In a separate post, he used the user name “watchouthoward” and linked to his first post. The disturbing acts were committed while Rust was on probation for another crime.
Rust faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison when he is sentenced on July 20. The actual sentence will be determined by a federal district court judge, taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nicholas U. Murphy and Maya D. Song are prosecuting the case, which was announced by Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia Tracy Doherty-McCormick and Andrew W. Vale, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office.
A copy of the press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia, and related court documents and information can be found on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:17-cr-290.
In a statement, officials emphasized the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions, especially those that target vulnerable communities. The case serves as a reminder of the need for continued vigilance and cooperation in the fight against hate crimes.
Rust’s plea deal marks a significant step towards justice for the victims and their families. The case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of hate and intolerance.
The investigation and prosecution of Rust’s crimes were a collaborative effort, involving the FBI’s Washington Field Office and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia.
Defendant: John Edgar Rust
Criminal Charges: Transmission in interstate commerce of a communication containing threats to injure the person of another
City and State: Alexandria, Virginia
Exact Date: November 11, 2015
Sentence or Outcome: Maximum penalty of five years in prison, to be determined by a federal district court judge on July 20
Key Facts
- State: Virginia
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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