United States Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina

05/08/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/08/2026 09:04

North Carolina Man Arrested on Federal Charges of Threatening to Kill U.S. Officials in Charge of Immigration Enforcement and Policy

RALEIGH, N.C. - A Forsyth County man was arrested today on charges of threatening to kill federal immigration officials.

According to court documents, in June 2025, Richard David Warren, 61, formerly of Brunswick County, allegedly mailed letters to two government officials leading the United States' immigration enforcement and related policies, in which he threatened to kill them. Warren also allegedly threatened to kill the family of one official and blow up and burn down the house belonging to the other.

Warren is charged with three counts of violating 18 U.S.C. § 115(a)(1) (threatening to murder a federal official or his family) and two counts of violating 18 U.S.C. § 876(c) (mailing a threatening communication to a federal official). He faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison if convicted of any of these charges.

"The safety and security of our personnel and their families is paramount. Threats of violence against federal officials-no matter the source or method-will be investigated with the utmost seriousness and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law," said the Special Agent in Charge of ICE's Office of Professional Responsibility. "This case should serve as a clear warning: those who allegedly seek to intimidate or harm government officials in the performance of their duties will face consequences. The Department of Homeland Security will not tolerate attempts to undermine the rule of law or threaten those who serve and protect our nation."

"The successful execution of this arrest warrant reflects the professionalism, courage, and unwavering commitment of our Deputy United States Marshals," said United States Marshal for the Eastern District of North Carolina Glenn McNeill. "Threats against public officials strike at the foundation of public service and the rule of law. I commend every member involved for their disciplined response, teamwork, and dedication to protecting our communities and ensuring accountability."

Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Office of Professional Responsibility, within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, is investigating the case.

A copy of this press release is located on our website. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North CarolinaLinks to other government and non-government sites will typically appear with the "external link" icon to indicate that you are leaving the Department of Justice website when you click the link. or on PACERLinks to other government and non-government sites will typically appear with the "external link" icon to indicate that you are leaving the Department of Justice website when you click the link. by searching for Case No. 7:26-CR-26.

An indictment is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

United States Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina published this content on May 08, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on May 08, 2026 at 15:04 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]