Federal Agents Arrest U.S. Army Veteran for Posting on Internet Threats to Destroy V.A. Medical Center in Kerrville and Kill Employees

In San Antonio this morning, Special Agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation arrested 44-year-old Walter Steven Crosley of Lakehills, TX, for using the Internet to post threats to kill individuals working for the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) and to damage or destroy buildings by use of explosives announced United States Attorney Richard L. Durbin, Jr.; FBI Special Agent in Charge Christopher Combs, San Antonio Division; and, Special Agent in Charge James Werner, VA Office of Inspector General (VAOIG), South Central Field Office.

According to court records, Crosley served in the Army for 13 years including time in Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.  In 2005, Crosley, a Motor Transport Operator, suffered multiple injuries resulting from an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) detonation.  In 2013, Crosley was permanently retired and received a 100% service-related disability.  He has received periodic treatment for his injuries at the Kerrville VA Medical Center.

A criminal complaint and supporting affidavit filed in federal court today alleges that while visiting the facility on June 7, 2017, Crosley made a statement to a nurse that, “I may be the next guy that takes y’all out.”  The complaint also states that Crosley, who claims to suffer health issues stemming from his service in Iraq and lack of proper treatment by the VA, periodically uploads videos to YouTube under the name of “Retired Warrior.”  In one of the videos, Crosley states that he threatened to blow up the Kerrville VA facility if they did not put him in a war related illness and injury study center.  In his video, he also claimed that he would follow in the footsteps of other individuals suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), who either committed suicide, killed other individuals or destroyed property. 

Crosley made his initial appearance this afternoon in federal court in San Antonio.  He remains in federal custody pending a detention hearing scheduled for September 21 at 9:30 a.m.  Upon conviction, Crosley faces up to ten years in federal prison.

The FBI and the VAOIG investigated this case.  Assistant United States Attorney Bud Paulissen is prosecuting this case on behalf of the Government.

It is important to note that a criminal complaint is merely a charge and should not be considered as evidence of guilt.  The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.