The US Department of Justice announced on Friday that a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh has indicted Robert Hlovchiec, a 32-year-old self-identified white supremacist from Pennsylvania, on 12 counts of interstate threats and influencing, impeding, or retaliating against a federal official by threat. The indictment stems from a series of violent comments Hlovchiec posted on YouTube between February and March 2026.
Details of the Threats
According to the DOJ statement, Hlovchiec targeted an unnamed member of Congress, Democrats, liberals, transgender people, and minority groups including Muslims, African Americans, and Hispanics. In one post, he stated, 'If I get the chance I'm going to do a mass shooting wherever (member of Congress) is standing. (Member of Congress) needs to die ... America is not for sale. America is not a Muslim country.' He also threatened to 'shoot everyone in (member of Congress)’s family,' declaring 'America is a white Christian nation. We are ready to kill and die before foreigner Muslims take over.'
Defendant's Self-Identification
The DOJ noted that Hlovchiec identified himself as a Nazi and a white supremacist, expressing desires to carry out mass shootings and assassinations. A representative for the defendant could not be immediately reached for comment.
Broader Context of Rising Extremism
US rights advocates have highlighted increasing Islamophobia since the September 11, 2001 attacks, exacerbated by anti-immigration policies, white supremacy, and the fallout from Israel’s war in Gaza. Political experts have separately warned about political violence stemming from rising polarization in the country.
