Northridge Man Gets 3.5 Years for Hate-Fueled Threats

LOS ANGELES – Andre Morrow Lackner, 35, of Northridge, is headed to federal prison after admitting to a chilling 14-month reign of terror fueled by hatred. Lackner was sentenced today to 43 months behind bars for a relentless campaign of threats against a Jewish victim and broader calls for violence against Jewish people and Asian Americans. The case lays bare the venomous undercurrent of bigotry that continues to fester in the shadows.

The sentencing, handed down by United States District Judge Dale S. Fischer, follows Lackner’s guilty plea on January 29 to one count of stalking. He’s been cooling his heels in federal custody since December 2022, awaiting justice. The FBI’s investigation revealed a disturbing pattern of abuse, delivered through a barrage of text messages.

“Hate and intolerance, including antisemitism, is both wrong and anti-American,” stated United States Attorney Martin Estrada, delivering a pointed rebuke. “Our nation is one of inclusion, not exclusion, and through this case we send a strong message that we will not tolerate attempts to divide us.” The Department of Justice isn’t mincing words – this isn’t about free speech, it’s about criminal intimidation.

Between June 2021 and October 2022, Lackner unleashed a torrent of vile rhetoric upon his victim. Texts recovered by investigators included the chilling declaration, “Hitler was right about you people,” alongside explicit calls for the “extermination” of Jewish people. He didn’t stop there, also texting threats against Asian Americans, including calls to “start more Asian hate” and “wipe [Asian people] off the planet too.” The messages weren’t idle boasts; they placed the victim in genuine fear for her life and the safety of her family.

“The defendant admitted to stalking victims based on either their religion or their race by making vile threats for more than a year,” said Krysti Hawkins, the Acting Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office. “Today’s sentence is evidence that there is zero tolerance for criminal activity rooted in hatred, and of the FBI’s commitment to holding accountable those who seek to threaten or harm innocent victims.” The FBI clearly views these types of cases as a high priority.

Assistant United States Attorney Amanda B. Elbogen of the Terrorism and Export Crimes Section spearheaded the prosecution. While 43 months is a significant sentence, it remains to be seen if it will truly deter others from following a similar path of hate. This case serves as a grim reminder that bigotry isn’t just an ideological problem – it’s a crime, and the Grimy Times will continue to report on these cases as they unfold.

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