LOS ANGELES, CA – A California man who used the alias “Billy Badass” on social media is facing federal charges after allegedly threatening to bomb multiple synagogues and then doubling down on his antisemitic rhetoric even after being placed on a psychiatric hold.
The 36-year-old suspect, identified only by his last name King in court documents, allegedly posted a threat on X, formerly Twitter, on August 28 stating “I’m gonna blow up every synagogue in a 20-mile radius.”
He wasn’t joking around with the threat, either. Prosecutors say King followed up the initial post shortly afterward with another message: “This is a real threat send the police and report me for terrorism.”
Making matters worse, investigators discovered that approximately 10 minutes after posting the threats, King used his cellphone to repeatedly search for synagogues in his area, suggesting he may have been planning to act on his words.
Authorities placed King on a psychiatric hold due to the alleged threats. But even that didn’t stop him from continuing his antisemitic posts. Prosecutors say he used his X account while on the hold to write that he “got arrested and put on a 3 day psych hold for my posts against the jews.”
According to prosecutors, King’s social media history also showed support for Adolf Hitler and contained additional antisemitic content.
King has been charged with threats and false information regarding fire and explosives, threats by interstate communication, and false information and hoaxes. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Despite the serious nature of the allegations, King was released on bond and is scheduled to go to trial on January 13, 2026.
If convicted on all counts, he faces a maximum sentence of up to 25 years in federal prison.
The case comes amid rising concerns about antisemitic threats and violence across the country.
