Manuel Flores, Threatening Communication Over the Internet, Texas 2020

Manuel Flores Sentenced to 21 Months in Prison for Threatening Black Lives Matter Protestors

A federal judge today sentenced Manuel Flores, 43, to 21 months in federal prison for posting a threatening communication over the internet, announced U.S. Attorney Gregg N. Sofer and FBI Special Agent in Charge Luis M. Quesada, El Paso Division.

On October 14, 2020, Flores pleaded guilty to transmitting a threatening communication. By pleading guilty, Flores admitted that in June 2020 he recorded and uploaded a video to YouTube entitled “N----- Lives Matter” in which he made threatening comments to Black Lives Matter protestors.

During the video, Flores is seated and visible only from the knees down with what appears to be an AR-15 style rifle resting on his feet. Flores stated that in two days he would be travelling on I-20 Eastbound through Dallas while daring individuals representing Black Lives Matter to “stop him.” Flores further stated that “my dream is at least … take out at least 200 n------.”

“During this time of polarized political discord, peaceful protest is an important right that must be safeguarded and those who threaten to harm others, commit acts of violence, destroy property or attack law enforcement must be held accountable for their criminal behavior,” said U.S. Attorney Sofer.

In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Judge Kathleen Cardone ordered that Manuel Flores be placed on supervised release for a period of three years after completing his prison term. Flores has remained in federal custody since FBI agents arrested him in Dallas on June 15, 2020.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdtx/pr/el-paso-man-sentenced-posting-threatening-youtube-video