conference at the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Cleveland.
(Photo: U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio)
Federal authorities on Thursday announced a charge against an Ohio man they say posted a video on Instagram referring to himself as a white nationalist and appearing to threaten the Jewish Community Center of Youngstown, which is part of a campus that includes assisted living and skilled nursing facilities.
James Reardon had been charged Aug. 19 in U.S. District Court with one count of transmitting threatening communications via interstate commerce, but the charge remained sealed until Thursday. Officials said their investigation is ongoing.
“The Constitution affords citizens many rights, but it does not allow people to threaten others with violence,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. “Law enforcement will continue to work together to thwart those who threaten people based on their religion, race or national origin.”
According to the criminal complaint filed in the case, a former friend of Reardon’s told the local police about the Instagram video, and police relayed the information to the FBI on Aug. 16.
The video reportedly depicted Reardon holding an assault rifle “in multiple firing positions with audio of gunshots and sound effects of sirens and people screaming added into the background.” The video also reportedly included a caption that stated, “Police identified the Youngstown Jewish Family Community shooter as local white nationalist Seamus O’Rearedon” and tagged the Jewish Community Center of Youngstown. The center is part of a complex that includes Levy Gardens assisted living community, Heritage Manor rehabilitation and retirement community and other entities.
Authorities executed a search warrant at Reardon’s residence and found an MP-40 sub-machine gun, an AR-15 assault rifle, several Nazi World War II posters, a rifle bayonet, a Hitler Youth Knife and vintage U.S. military equipment, according to the complaint.
“This defendant’s video demonstrated that he had access to weapons, and he posed a threat to a Jewish community center,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Eric B. Smith. “Law enforcement cannot wait to see if a shooting is going to occur; law enforcement must act quickly within the confines of the law to disrupt any potential violent act.”
Another Instagram video posted by Reardon reportedly showed him discharging two rounds of ammunition into a cover of a video while making a remark about “Jewish media.” Law enforcement officers also shared with the FBI a video showing Reardon attending the “Unite the Right” rally in Charlottesville, VA, in August 2017.
Reardon also faces local charges of telecommunications harassment and aggravated menacing, to which he has pleaded not guilty.
The Youngstown Area Jewish Federation, of which Levy Gardens and Heritage Manor are a part, said in a Facebook post that the need for security “is even greater” “in light of the recent threat to our community.”
“We take very seriously the need to be vigilant to ensure the safety of all members of the local Jewish community, as well as all members and guests of our agencies,” the organization said. “We also work with area synagogues to ensure the safety of those worshiping.”
