Mercer County Man Charged with Communicating Threats to Attack White People

Joshua Cobb, a 23-year-old man from Trenton, New Jersey, was arrested on Friday night and charged with transmitting a threat in interstate and foreign commerce. According to the US Attorney’s Office, Cobb made several posts on social media, threatening to attack white people in New Jersey and discussed his plans to become a serial killer.

The threats were made in December 2022 and April and May 2023, on two different social media applications. In one post, Cobb stated, “I want to cause mayhem on the white community. The reason I specifically want to target white people is because as a black male, they will NEVER understand my struggles.”

Cobb also discussed his plans to acquire firearms and target specific locations, including a Jersey Strong gym and an Aldi grocery store in Robbinsville, New Jersey. He joined the US Marine Corps in 2023 and was stationed in California until his recent discharge.

A lawful search of Cobb’s cell phone revealed additional notes from April and May 2023, expressing his homicidal ideations and detailing his plans to accumulate the necessary equipment needed to execute his attacks.

Cobb admitted to writing the posts and providing detailed information on locations he had considered as possible targets for his attack. He discussed his access to guns and idolized other mass shooters.

Cobb is scheduled to appear in Trenton federal court today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Rukhsanah Singh. The charge of transmitting a threat in interstate and foreign commerce carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a fine of $250,000.

The case was investigated by the US Attorney’s Office and the FBI. The US Attorney’s Office credited the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office for its assistance in the case.

Cobb’s arrest is a stark reminder of the dangers of hate crime and domestic terrorism. The US Attorney’s Office is committed to protecting the citizens of New Jersey and holding those who commit such crimes accountable.

This case is a prime example of the importance of online safety and the need for individuals to report suspicious activity to law enforcement. The FBI and the US Attorney’s Office urge anyone with information about this case to contact them immediately.

Cobb’s alleged crimes are a disturbing reminder of the hate and violence that exists in our society. The US Attorney’s Office will continue to work tirelessly to prevent such crimes from occurring and to bring those who commit them to justice.

The investigation is ongoing, and further charges may be filed.

This is a developing story, and we will provide updates as more information becomes available.