The Department of Justice announced Friday a two-count indictment against a Florida man accused of posting online threats to kill interim U.S. Attorney for New Jersey Alina Habba.
The suspect, identified as 58-year-old Salvatore Russotto of Orlando, allegedly made the threats on the social media platform X. Authorities say he repeatedly used the number “86,” which in law enforcement circles is often interpreted as slang for assassination. While commonly used in the restaurant industry to indicate something is unavailable, officials noted the term can carry a far more sinister meaning in this context.
According to a Department of Justice press release, Salvatore Russotto posted threatening messages on social media, including “Eliminate HABBA. 86 Traitor. Death penalty for all traitors” and “I HOPE YOU DIE A PAINFUL DEATH.”
The indictment charges Russotto with one count of threatening to injure and kill interim U.S. Attorney Alina Habba and a second count of retaliating against a federal law enforcement officer through threats. If convicted on both counts, he could face up to 10 years in federal prison.
The charges were announced by interim U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida Greg Kehoe. While Kehoe’s office did not specify Russotto’s motive, the threats were posted on May 19—the same day Habba announced criminal charges against Rep. LaMonica McIver (D-NJ) for allegedly obstructing law enforcement officers outside an immigration facility in Newark, New Jersey.
President Donald Trump appointed Alina Habba—his former White House counselor and personal attorney in multiple criminal cases—as interim U.S. Attorney for New Jersey in March. According to a report by The Wall Street Journal on Friday, Trump is expected to formally nominate her for the position on a permanent basis.
FBI Director Kash Patel praised the FBI for bringing Russotto to justice “A dangerous copycat, fueled by reckless rhetoric from former officials, threatened those protecting our country,” Patel posted on X. “Political violence has no place here. Proud of our [FBI Tampa] and thankful to our Florida partners for acting fast to deliver justice.”
