Wright City Man Threatened To 'Blow Up' Mosque: Prosecutors

WRIGHT CITY, MO — A Wright City man repeatedly called a mosque in Georgia and threatened to blow it up, as well as kill, shoot, behead, slaughter and light on fire its members, federal prosecutors said. Preston Q. Howard, 49, was arrested on Wednesday after a grand jury in Savannah, Georgia, indicted him last week for transmitting threats in interstate commerce to members of the Islamic Society of Augusta, Georgia.

Howard is now expected to appear before a federal magistrate judge in Missouri.

Authorities said in the indictment that between June 22, 2017 and August 8, 2017, Howard called the mosque numerous times and threatened to “kill,” “shoot,” “behead,” “slaughter,” “execute,” “light on fire,” and “murder” members of the mosque. He also allegedly said he wanted to “hunt down” and “zone in” on Muslims, and to “blow up the mosque.”

United States Attorney Bobby L. Christine said those who make "detestable and hateful threats" against members of the community will be held accountable.

“No one has the right to rob citizens of their sense of safety in their communities and where they practice their faith,” said David LeValley, special agent in charge of FBI Atlanta. “Threats intended to instill fear in religious communities are an attack on the very fabric of our society and will not be tolerated. The FBI will continue to vigorously investigate anyone who engages in such violent acts.”

Howard faces was charged with 10 counts of interstate communication with intent to threaten to injure. He could face up to 50 years in prison if convicted on every count.

The Associated Press reported that court records didn't list an attorney for Howard who could comment on the allegations.

Wright City is about 50 miles west of St. Louis in Warren County and has a population of just over 3,500. It is bisected by Interstate 70.

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