Man Charged With Firing Shots Into Montco Democratic Committee HQ

NORRISTOWN, PA — A man who fired gunshots into the headquarters of the Montgomery County Democratic Committee offices in Norristown last month, just hours before President Joe Biden's inauguration, has been arrested and charged with terrorism, authorities announced Friday.

Anthony F. Nero, 48, of Eagleville, also wrote a threatening email to the Democratic headquarters, the District Attorney's Office said. That note was received the day after the riots at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, which left five people dead.

“Comment just wanted to let your offices know that you should probably beef up security," the email reads. "With this stolen election and Coup d’etat, violence is the only language you bloodsuckers understand. [Expletive] you and your BLM bull**** along with ANTIFA. We WILL end this insurrection. Again, TRUMP YOU! You [expletive] traitors. Random acts of violence are difficult to investigate. Have fun."

The shooting occurred weeks later, hours before the inauguration, and in the midst of a series of threats of violence and election-related unrest in Pennsylvania and around the nation.

RELATED: FBI Investigating After Shots Fired In Montco Democratic Offices

The incident occurred at 21 E. Airy St. between 6:30 p.m. on Jan. 19 and 7:30 a.m. on Jan. 20. It was discovered by the committee's executive director, Brian Levy, when he was checking mail around 4:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Levy found three bullet holes in the office's front window. Nero used a .45-caliber handgun to fire the shots, police said.

Authorities, including the FBI, Pennsylvania State Police, and Montgomery County Detectives, said they were able to track Nero down by tracing the IP address used to send the threatening email.

A search of Nero's vehicle resulted in the recovery of a .45 valiber Springfield Armory firearm.

Nero faces numerous charges, including terrorism, terroristic threats, carrying a firearm without a license, and reckless endangerment.

Bail was set at $50,000, and he was released. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for March 5.