Related Federal Cases
Tres Genco, Attempted Hate Crime, Ohio 2022
CINCINNATI, OH – A chilling plot to unleash violence against women was halted after Tres Genco, 22, of Hillsboro, Ohio, pleaded guilty today to attempting a hate crime. The self-described “Incel” confessed in U.S. District Court to plotting a mass shooting at an Ohio university, fueled by a virulent hatred of women. Genco has been held in federal custody since his arrest in July 2021.
According to court documents, Genco’s descent into extremism was evident in his online activity. For at least a year and a half, he maintained a profile on an Incel forum, posting hundreds of times and embracing the movement’s core tenets – a twisted ideology that blames women for the lack of romantic or sexual attention its adherents receive. This festering resentment boiled over into a detailed plan for violence, outlined in a manifesto where he vowed to “slaughter” women “out of hatred, jealousy and revenge…”
The investigation revealed a disturbing pattern of preparation. Genco didn’t just fantasize about violence; he actively equipped himself for it. In 2019, he purchased tactical gear including a bulletproof vest, a bowie knife, and magazines for a Glock 17 pistol. He even briefly attended Army Basic Training in Georgia, hoping to hone his skills, though he was discharged for poor performance and conduct. A chilling note discovered by investigators indicated Genco aimed for a staggering kill count of 3,000, referencing the date of the 2014 Elliot Rodger mass shooting. He also conducted surveillance at an Ohio university and researched “planning a shooting crime.”
The language Genco used online mirrored that of Rodger, the perpetrator of the UC Santa Barbara massacre. In one post, he described spraying “some foids and couples” with orange juice from a water gun – a disturbing echo of Rodger’s pre-attack actions. “Foids” is Incel slang for women. He characterized this act as “extremely empowering.” This isn’t just about a disturbed individual; it’s about a dangerous online subculture that actively encourages and glorifies violence against women.
“Genco formulated a plot to kill women and intended to carry it out,” stated U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker. “Our federal and local law enforcement partners stopped that from happening. Hate has no place in our country – including gender-based hate – and we will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to vigorously prosecute any such conduct.” FBI Cincinnati Special Agent in Charge J. William Rivers added, “Thankfully, law enforcement partners working closely together prevented a deadly killing spree targeting women… Genco’s hate-filled beliefs and actions were extremely dangerous.”
While the specifics of Genco’s sentencing remain to be determined, his guilty plea marks a significant step towards accountability. But the case serves as a stark warning: the Incel movement and its violent ideology pose a real and present danger. Law enforcement agencies are urged to remain vigilant and the public is encouraged to report any concerning behavior that could indicate a potential threat. The investigation was a cooperative effort between the ATF, FBI, and local law enforcement.
Key Facts
- Agency: ATF
- Category: Weapons|Violent Crime
- Source: Official Press Release
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