A former Marine from New Jersey, Joshua Cobb, was arrested and charged with threatening to kill white people and carry out a mass shooting. According to federal prosecutors, Cobb posted on social media in December 2022 expressing his desire to cause mayhem in the white community and commit a mass shooting in 2023. He claimed to have obtained two of the four guns he planned to use in the attack. Cobb joined the Marine Corps last year and completed basic training before being stationed at Marine Corps Air-Ground Combat Center in California. He was discharged in May.
Identified as Black in his online posts under the account “1dayUsuffer,” Cobb expressed his frustrations with the struggles faced by young Black men in America. He stated that he felt obstacles were preventing him from excelling, especially coming from a background of poverty. Cobb admitted to having homicidal ideations during an interview with the FBI while at the Marine base in California. He confessed to fantasizing about attacking a gym or grocery store frequented by “rich-a– white people” and wanting to bring pain to wealthier individuals who he believed did not understand what it was like to be in a difficult situation.
Although no attack was carried out, Cobb has been charged with transmitting a threat in interstate and foreign commerce. This charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The Marine Corps has not commented on the nature of Cobb’s discharge, and court documents do not provide details on the reason for his dismissal. Cobb waived a preliminary hearing and is currently detained pending a bail hearing scheduled for Friday. Federal public defenders listed as representing Cobb have not responded to requests for comment on the case.
The arrest of Joshua Cobb highlights the seriousness of threats made on social media and the potential consequences of expressing violent intentions online. Cobb’s statements about causing mayhem and carrying out a mass shooting raise concerns about radicalization and the impact of social media on extremist ideologies. The case also sheds light on the struggles faced by young Black men in America and the potential for feelings of frustration and anger to escalate into violent behavior. The FBI’s swift action in investigating and apprehending Cobb demonstrates the commitment to preventing acts of violence and ensuring the safety of the community.
It is essential for law enforcement agencies to closely monitor threats made on social media platforms and take action to prevent individuals from carrying out violent acts. The case of Joshua Cobb serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance in identifying and addressing potential threats to public safety. By holding individuals accountable for their online statements and ensuring that appropriate measures are taken to prevent violence, law enforcement can help prevent tragedies and protect communities from harm. The legal proceedings against Cobb will likely serve as a deterrent to others who may be considering expressing violent intentions online and will reinforce the consequences of making threats against others.
