CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — A Clarksville man is accused of making online threats of violence against a Planned Parenthood facility in Washington D.C., according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
Jacob Cooper, 20, was arrested Wednesday after a warrant was issued from the U.S. District Court.
The U.S. Attorney's Office said Cooper posted a threat to shoot up Planned Parenthood under the username "Jacco" on iFunny.co. On this site, users can share photos, videos and discuss topics.
Cooper is accused of leaving two comments on the website on August 13 stating:
“Make sure you tell them about how I plan to shoot up a planned parenthood facility in Washington D.C., on August 19th at 3pm.”
"If you are a member of the FBI, CIA, whatever, and are on my profile I will trace your IP address and kill you if the opportunity arises. And I am dead serious about this. I’ll do it with ricin, a bomb, or .308. Whatever it takes, then end result will be the same. I am serious about this. If I am personally contacted by any federal agents, I will do this. I will kill you. Again, I am serious. Sic semper tyrannis."
Sic semper tyrannis is a Latin phrase translating to "thus always to tyrants." This phrase has been referenced by Timothy McVeigh, the Oklahoma City bomber, and John Wilkes Booth according to historical reports.
He's being charged with unlawfully, knowingly and intentionally transmitting in interstate or foreign commerce a communication containing threat to injure another.
In a statement a representative from Planned Parenthood said the organization was thankful to law enforcement for taking action.
“For over 80 years, Planned Parenthood of Metropolitan Washington, DC has provided high-quality, supportive reproductive medical care for families in the DC metro area. No one should ever face the threat of violence just for seeking health care. We are proud to provide a safe, welcoming environment for our employees and for our patients so they can get the high-quality health care they need. We are strong, and our doors stay open for everyone who needs our care. No matter what.
We are glad that a suspect has been apprehended, and are thankful to law enforcement for taking swift action and keeping us safe.”
A preliminary hearing for Cooper is scheduled for August 26. Cooper faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison if convicted.
