Federal Charges: South Bend Man That Threatened Violence Against Police On Social Media Arrested By FBI Prior To Peaceful Black Lives Matter Rally
A man from South Bend, Indiana was arrested and is facing federal charges after making threatening remarks on Facebook ahead of a peaceful Black Lives Matter rally.
Isaiah D. Beavers, 26, known on social media as Thoty Nut or Gnut Thagoon, responded to a peaceful Black Lives Matter event that was set to take place in the downtown area in response to the Dallas police shootings. Beaver’s threats toward the Black Lives Matter rally were posted on WNDU’s Facebook page by a concerned viewer. WNDU social media administrators shared their concern and ensured the local authorities were informed, as did some faithful and concerned viewers.
“That’s extremely concerning. This flyer is clearly calling for a non-violent “peace rally.” The police should be made aware of any threats or suspicious behavior, and hopefully this person will choose to avoid any violence or destruction.”
The incriminating posts on social media were captured by the authorities in an effort to document his intent to harm police officers at the event as well as recruit others to aid him in his plan of attack. As a result, FBI agents acted as the arresting officers, making his thirteenth arrest a federal case. Other arrests include battery, driving while suspended, possession of marijuana, disorderly conduct, and possession of a handgun without a license.
In one post, Beavers stated that police officers only know how to respond with violence in one manner, therefore, he would respond to them in the same way.
“Speak to cops in a language they understand.”
According to the court documents, as reported by Fox 28 WSJV, Beaver’s posts were tied to him with use of the images he posted of himself on the page. Beavers has multiple Facebook pages linked to his name, making it easy for the authorities to decipher his true identity.
Beavers’ intention to bring both guns and gasoline to the event was enough to cause concern, resulting in his arrest. Prosecutors claim that the threats broke federal law, and that his arrest was warranted based on the posts on social media alone. As a result, Beavers was arrested on Saturday morning prior to the Black Lives Matter rally, ensuring he was not able to carry out his threats against officers and the public.
Beavers was being held without bond until he could be seen by a judge.
ABC 57 reported that the Black Lives Matter rally did not experience any violence, and that organizers were adamant to consistently announce that the rally was meant to be peaceful.
During the Black Lives Matter rally, various speakers spoke out about the issues, and poets performed with spoken word. In addition, candles were lit for those that have lost their lives, prayer was constant, and t-shirts were given to attendees.
The organizers of the Black Lives Matter rally were also vocal to announce that the rally was not anti-police, but instead was anti-white supremacy, claiming that there is a vast difference.
The Black Lives Matter rally was attended by people of all ages and race, each intermingling peacefully near South Bend’s Morris Performing Arts building. There was no mention of the threats made by Beavers or the potential of violence that could possibly occur, rather focusing on the positive path toward future peace and harmony among all races by learning from past mistakes and issues.
[Image via Facebook]
