A U.S. Army soldier stationed in Louisiana has been arrested after allegedly making violent threats against a synagogue, according to federal authorities.
Prosecutors said Jakob Marcoulier, 22, who was based at Fort Polk, is charged with transmitting a threat in interstate commerce. The charge stems from statements he allegedly made on the messaging platform Discord.
According to court documents, the Federal Bureau of Investigation received a tip in February through its National Threat Operations Center regarding threats posted by a user identified as “el.bostino.”
Investigators said audio recordings linked to Marcoulier captured him making explicit threats to carry out a mass shooting at a synagogue following a future deployment. Authorities also allege he made additional extremist remarks in online conversations.
U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller said threats targeting Jewish communities undermine fundamental freedoms and will be treated with urgency.
“This case reflects swift action to identify and respond to serious threats,” Keller said in a statement.
Marcoulier is currently being held in custody by the U.S. Marshals Service pending further court proceedings. A detention hearing has been scheduled, and if convicted, he could face up to five years in federal prison.
An attorney representing Marcoulier has not yet responded to requests for comment.