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A Kentucky man with a cache of guns and hand grenades has been charged over Facebook comments threatening the governor, authorities say

May 7, 2020, 05:15 IST
Insider
In this March 13, 2020 file photo, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear discusses developments in Kentucky regarding the new coronavirus in Frankfort, Ky.Associated Press/Bruce Schreiner
  • A Kentucky man faces both state and federal charges after he admitted to making Facebook comments suggesting the governor be killed, court documents show.
  • Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, a Democrat, has faced criticism from some residents over his strict coronavirus lockdown measures, which included a ban on in-person church gatherings.
  • Jeremiah Wooley, 25, was arrested April 29, and Kentucky authorities found a cache of firearms and 50 MKII pineapple-style hand grenades in a bucket in his home.
  • Wooley also admitted to FBI agents that he posted the threatening comments under a fake name on Facebook, the affidavit said, according to an affidavit.
  • Visit Insider's homepage for more stories.
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Prosecutors have charged a Kentucky man with terroristic threatening after he made Facebook comments suggesting Gov. Andy Beshear be killed over his coronavirus response, court documents show.

"When would it be acceptable to go and kill this guy," one comment said, in response to a video titled, "Kentucky Governor sends State Troopers to Church to Enforce Social Distancing."

"Anybody think about maybe going and visiting the governor at his house," another comment said.

Beshear has faced criticism from some Kentucky residents over his strict coronavirus lockdown measures, which included a ban on in-person church gatherings.

Jeremiah Wooley, 25, was arrested April 29. Kentucky authorities who searched his home found a cache of firearms and 50 MKII pineapple-style hand grenades in a bucket, according to federal prosecutors.

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There were also approximately 12 guns in the home, including "a 50-caliber rifle, assault-style firearms, shotguns, rifles, and handguns," according to an affidavit filed as part of a federal criminal complaint.

Federal prosecutors said most of the grenades had been "rendered inert" or were not real grenades, but a number of other boxes in the same room contained "all of the necessary components" to complete and assemble a grenade.

Wooley also admitted to FBI agents that he posted the threatening comments under a fake name on Facebook, the affidavit said.

Wooley faces federal charges of possessing an unregistered firearm, and state charges of third-degree terroristic threats. It's unclear if he has retained a lawyer or made a plea.

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