A Massachusetts man has been arrested for sending four threatening packages containing white powder to federal agencies, one of which contained a handwritten note saying "Death to Trump."
Kevin A. Johnson, 47, of Southwick, is charged with two counts of conveying false information and hoaxes and two counts of mailing threatening communications, according to U.S. Attorney Andrew Lelling.
Authorities said Johnson was detained following an initial appearance Friday in federal court in Springfield.
According to court documents, the FBI’s Springfield Office and the Springfield Social Security Administration Office collectively received three packages containing between July and November 2018 either threatening communications and/or suspicious substances.
At the Springfield Branch Office of the United States Attorney’s Office, a letter was received from an individual claiming responsibility for sending the packages.
Authorities said each package contained a piece of white-lined paper with a hand-drawn logo that appeared to combine the "anarchist A" symbol and the symbol for ISIS. Two of the packages contained suspicious white powder.
Court documents stated that on July 23, an individual was captured by security cameras at the FBI Springfield Office throwing a manila envelope at the front door. That package contained a handwritten note saying, "Death to TRUMP."
Local
In-depth news coverage of the Greater Boston Area.
Authorities said the Springfield Social Security Administration Office received a package on Oct. 23 containing white powder and a handwritten letter stating, "FOR ALLAH YOU DIE, ATHENA KNOWS YOUR LIES, DEATH TO YOU TRAITORS, AND THE FU----- FBI."
On Oct. 24, the FBI Springfield Office also received a package addressed to "AGENT UNCLE HAM." That package contained white powder and a handwritten note stating: "FOR ALLAH YOU DIE, ATHENA KNOWS YOUR LIES, DEATH TO THE N.O.R.A.D SPIES, AND THE FBI."
In a package sent to the Springfield Branch Office of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts on Nov. 13, authorities said the package included a handwritten letter and two newspaper articles. One of the articles was about the death of James "Whitey" Bulger with the phrase "5 finger Freddy" written in pen next to the name "Freddy Geas".
Authorities said laboratory testing of all the white powder in the packages did not contain hazardous material.
It's unclear when Johnson is due back in court or if he has an attorney.
