JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A Clay County man who posted Instagram videos and sent anti-Semitic texts threatening Jewish services is facing federal charges for interstate transmission of threats.
Duncan Fraser MacDonald, whom a criminal complaint lists as a Clay County resident, faces charges in U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida for threats reported to authorities by the Jewish Federation & Foundation of Northeast Florida.
The document describes a video - later reposted by Jewish Breaking News - showing whom authorities said is MacDonald displaying an arsenal inside a home and allegedly MacDonald saying “we’re gonna hunt Jews.”
Later, in a text exchange with a Jewish Federation official in Jacksonville, MacDonald allegedly said a Friday shabbat “service tomorrow is gonna be epic.”
The Jewish Federal official reported the video and the text exchange to the FBI, which worked with local law enforcement to investigate the case and apprehend MacDonald in Arizona.
On the video, the unseen man said “Whole arsenal,” then turned the camera to racks of firearms. The video then pointed to a gun safe “but what’s in there is secret.”
In a second video, the narrator pointed to an item he described as a flamethrower. “Burn you to a ... crispy little critter, homey.”
In yet another video, the man pointed the camera at himself, revealing what authorities believe to be MacDonald because the image matched a driver’s license photo.
Jewish Federation CEO Mariam Feist commended the quick response by law enforcement agencies.
“These efforts are an example of the power of the collective,” Feist said in a news release. “Our deepest gratitude is extended to the men and women of the FBI in Jacksonville and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, as well as Sheriffs Michelle Cook, Rob Hardwick and T. K. Waters of Clay County, St. Johns County and the City of Jacksonville, respectively.”
Michael Masters, national director and CEO of Secure Community Network, highlighted the importance of inter-agency cooperation in protecting local residents.
“Our strong partnerships allow us to work together to protect our communities, build resilience and ensure security is never a barrier to living a Jewish life,” Masters said in the news release.
As the fall holiday season continues, community members are encouraged to remain vigilant, consult verified updates and review established High Holiday security recommendations.
Anyone with information regarding potential threats can reach the SCN Duty Desk at 844-SCN-DESK (844-726-3375). Emergency situations should be reported directly to 911.
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