Iola man charged for online threats that included blowing up White House and killing federal law enforcement

HOUSTON – A 35-year-old man from a small town in Grimes County has been charged for allegedly transmitting interstate threats via social media, announced Acting U.S. Attorney John G.E. Marck.

Authorities took Peter James Bloomfield into custody June 10 where he remains on related charges. He is expected to make his initial appearance before a U.S. magistrate judge in Houston in the near future.  

The criminal complaint alleges authorities discovered a Texas-based X account with multiple threatening messages directed at federal law enforcement and others. The account allegedly made several posts about where the closest FBI building was, killing federal agents and others, spending money to blow up the White House and negative comments about America. Bloomfield is linked to that account, according to the allegations. 

Law enforcement also allegedly identified a Facebook account in Bloomfield’s name that used the same profile image as the X account which posted additional threats against federal agents and notable figures. The charges further allege the Facebook account included comments about making a hit list and who would be on it during a Fox News broadcast of a recent Senate floor hearing. 

According to the complaint, Bloomfeld was angry and had researched explosives and their effect on demolishing a building.

A federal search warrant allegedly resulted in the discovery of over 20 firearms and a significant amount of ammunition. 

If convicted, Bloomfield faces up to five years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine. 

The FBI - Bryan Resident Agency conducted the investigation with the assistance of Texas Department of Public Safety; Houston County, Alabama, Sheriff’s Office; Secret Service; and Grimes County Constable’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Ganz is prosecuting the case.

A criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.