Waipahu Man Arrested for Threats to Injure Others and Bomb Buildings in Utah

Get the latest information on the arrest of a Waipahu man for threats to injure and bomb buildings in Utah. FBI urges public vigilance and reporting.

Bryan Melvin Brandenburg, a 63-year-old resident of Waipahu, was recently arrested for making threats to injure others and bomb buildings in Utah. He appeared in United States District Court in Honolulu on charges of transmitting threats to kill, injure, and intimidate individuals, as well as damage and destroy buildings and property using explosives. Court documents revealed that Brandenburg sent threatening emails to court personnel and media persons, targeting various locations in Utah, including courthouses, mayoral offices, and universities. Clare E. Connors, United States Attorney for the District of Hawaii, emphasized the seriousness of these threats and the government’s commitment to investigating and prosecuting such conduct. FBI Special Agent in Charge Steven Merrill urged the public to be vigilant and report any suspicious or threatening activity to the FBI. Brandenburg faces significant imprisonment terms if convicted.

Background

Bryan Melvin Brandenburg, a 63-year-old resident of Waipahu, was recently arrested for making threats to injure others and bomb buildings in Utah. He made his initial appearance in United States District Court in Honolulu on charges filed in a criminal complaint. The charges include transmitting threats to injure another person and false threats to kill, injure, and intimidate an individual. Brandenburg also threatened to damage and destroy a building and other real property using explosive means. He was arrested at his Waipahu residence.

Arrest and Initial Appearance in Court

After his arrest, Bryan Melvin Brandenburg appeared in United States District Court in Honolulu for his initial appearance. The appearance followed the charges filed against him in a criminal complaint. United States Magistrate Judge Wes Reber Porter ordered Brandenburg to be detained pending a detention hearing on May 27. This hearing will determine whether or not he will remain in custody.

Charges Filed Against Bryan Melvin Brandenburg

Brandenburg is facing several charges related to the threats he made. The criminal complaint includes one count of transmitting a communication containing a threat to injure another person. Additionally, he is charged with conveying false threats through interstate commerce to kill, injure, or intimidate an individual or damage or destroy a building or other real property by means of an explosive.

Threats Sent to Utah Court Personnel

While in Hawaii, Brandenburg sent email communications to court personnel in Utah. These communications contained threats to bomb the 3rd District Courthouse in Salt Lake City, the mayor’s office, the state capitol, every Ivy League school, and the federal courthouse in San Diego. These threats caused serious concern and prompted law enforcement action.

Threats Sent to Media Persons in Utah

Brandenburg also targeted multiple media persons in Utah with his threats. He sent email communications on different dates, May 4 and May 6, threatening to bomb the Salt Lake City courthouse, “Hall Labs,” and the University of Utah Center for Medical Innovation. These threats not only targeted specific individuals but also institutions, causing fear and disruption.

The FBI’s Commitment to Investigating Threats of Violence

The FBI is fully committed to investigating threats of violence, especially those involving the use of explosives. In this case, the threat to public safety was significant, and the FBI took swift action to ensure the protection of potential victims. Special Agent in Charge Steven Merrill emphasized the seriousness of such threats and the FBI’s dedication to maintaining public safety.

Request for Public Vigilance and Reporting Suspicious Activities

The FBI urges the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities or threats they encounter. It is crucial for the community to play an active role in identifying potential risks and assisting law enforcement agencies in their investigations. Citizens can report suspicious activities or threats to the FBI at (808) 566-4300 or tips.fbi.gov.

Criminal Complaint Against Brandenburg

Brandenburg is currently facing one count of transmitting in interstate a communication containing a threat to injure another person. Additionally, he is charged with one count of conveying false threats through interstate commerce to kill, injure, or intimidate an individual or damage or destroy a building or other real property by means of an explosive. These charges highlight the severity and harmful nature of the threats he made.

Maximum Terms of Imprisonment if Convicted

If Bryan Melvin Brandenburg is indicted and convicted on the charges filed against him, he could face maximum terms of imprisonment. The count related to threatening injury carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years. The count related to false bomb threats carries a maximum term of imprisonment of ten years. These potential penalties reflect the seriousness of the crimes committed.

Defendant is Presumed Innocent Until Proven Guilty in Court

It is important to remember that, despite the charges filed against Bryan Melvin Brandenburg, he is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. A criminal complaint is merely an allegation, and the burden of proof lies with the prosecution. It is during the court proceedings that evidence will be presented, and a determination of guilt or innocence will be made.

FBI’s Investigation of the Case

The FBI conducted a thorough investigation into the threats made by Bryan Melvin Brandenburg. As a federal law enforcement agency, the FBI has the resources and expertise to handle cases involving threats of violence and the use of explosives. Their commitment to protecting the public and ensuring their safety is evident in their diligent efforts to gather evidence and build a strong case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Handling the Prosecution

The prosecution of Bryan Melvin Brandenburg’s case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Darren Ching. As a member of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Ching is responsible for presenting the evidence gathered by the FBI and seeking justice through the court proceedings. His expertise in federal law and commitment to upholding justice make him well-suited for this role.

Contact Information for Media Inquiries

For media inquiries related to Bryan Melvin Brandenburg’s case, please contact Elliot Enoki at Elliot.Enoki@usdoj.gov. The U.S. Attorney’s Office can provide additional information and updates regarding the proceedings and any developments related to the case.

Other Press Releases on Similar Cases

For more information on similar cases and press releases from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, please refer to the Related Content section. These resources can provide additional context and insights into the legal actions taken against individuals involved in threats of violence and the use of explosives.

District of Hawaii Information

The main office of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Hawaii is located at 300 Ala Moana Blvd., #6-100, Honolulu, HI 96850. For any inquiries or assistance, please use the contact information provided below:

  • Email: USAO-HI Honolulu
  • Phone: (808) 541-2850
  • TDD Line: (808) 541-1830
  • Victim Witness Assistance (Toll-Free): (888) 310-9018

Archives and Stay Connected

To access archived press releases and stay connected with the latest news and developments from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Hawaii, please follow their social media accounts or visit their official website.

External Resources

For more information and resources related to the U.S. Department of Justice, law enforcement, and legal procedures, refer to the links provided on government websites. These resources can offer a comprehensive understanding of the justice system and its various components.