Grand jury indicts Iola man for online threats that included blowing up White House and killing law enforcement

HOUSTON - A 35-year-old man from a small town in Grimes County has been indicted for allegedly transmitting interstate threats via social media.

Peter James Bloomfield remains in custody following his arrest June 24. A federal grand jury has now returned the three-count indictment, and he will appear for his arraignment before a U.S. magistrate judge in Houston in the near future.

The charges allege authorities discovered a Texas-based X account with multiple threatening messages directed at federal law enforcement and others. The account allegedly made several posts about where the closest FBI building was, killing federal agents and others, spending money to blow up the White House, and negative comments about America. Bloomfield is linked to that account, according to the indictment.

Law enforcement also allegedly identified a Facebook account in Bloomfield's name that used the same profile image as the X account which posted additional threats against federal agents and notable figures. The indictment further alleges the Facebook account included comments about making a hit list that included President Trump during a Fox News broadcast of a recent Senate floor hearing.

A federal search warrant of Bloomfield's residence allegedly resulted in the discovery of over 20 firearms and a significant amount of ammunition.

If convicted, Bloomfield faces up to five years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine per count.

The FBI - Bryan Resident Agency conducted the investigation with the assistance of Texas Department of Public Safety; Houston County, Alabama, Sheriff's Office; Secret Service; and Grimes County Constable's Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Ganz is prosecuting the case.

An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.