A man from Miami has admitted guilt to a federal charge after making social media threats to harm individuals attending a high school junior prom in New Jersey. This announcement came from the U.S. Department of Justice on Friday. The individual, identified as Onil Compres Rodriguez, aged 21, was apprehended at Newark Liberty International Airport on May 2, 2024, coinciding with the event night, after traveling from Miami.
The Department of Justice reported that on April 30, 2024, Compres Rodriguez sent multiple direct messages to various social media accounts, including those associated with New Jersey schools. These messages contained alarming statements such as “I will kill everyone” and “Wear your bulletproof vests there will be a lot of blood hahaha,” suggesting a threat of violence. He also expressed feelings of grievance by stating “they should never have hurt me.”
Additionally, the messages were accompanied by two photographs: one showing an invitation to the New Jersey high school prom scheduled for May 2, 2024, and another displaying three firearms and ammunition. However, officials have chosen not to release the name of the school targeted in these threats.
As a consequence of his actions, Compres Rodriguez now faces the possibility of up to five years in federal prison after admitting to the charge of transmitting threats via interstate communications. His sentencing is scheduled to take place at a federal court in Miami on June 25.
The Bottom Line
This incident underscores the serious implications of making threats via social media and highlights the broader issues surrounding online safety and security. For communities, particularly those in educational settings, such situations serve as a stark reminder of the need for robust security measures and the importance of swiftly responding to threats to ensure the safety of students and staff. The case also reflects the increasing role of federal authorities in addressing interstate threats and the legal consequences faced by individuals who engage in such activities.
For schools, this event could lead to enhanced security protocols and a reassessment of how threats are managed and communicated to the public. It may also prompt discussions about the mental health resources available to individuals who may be at risk of making such threats, aiming to prevent similar incidents in the future.