Carl Howard Payne Jr., a Colorado Springs local, is charged with making threats across state lines. He allegedly targeted Tesla owners, CEO Elon Musk, and the 47th Presidential Cabinet.
On March 20, 2025, Payne reportedly sent emails titled “Declaration of War.” He used a Proton Mail account, “[email protected],” and a Signal account under the username “c.” The emails described a violent plan called “Operation: Swasticar,” threatening to kill Elon Musk and Tesla drivers starting April 17, 2025.
They also challenged the 47th Presidential Cabinet’s authority, called for ending the government, and mentioned Luigi Mangione, tied to anti-government rhetoric, with the phrase “We are Luigi. We Are One.”
Payne is accused of sending threatening letters to insurance companies, postmarked from Denver around April 2, 2025, with a fake return address of “The White House.” He emailed threats to media outlets, including ProPublica and Thomson Reuters in New York, spreading the threats beyond Colorado.
FBI Efforts and Evidence
The FBI’s Denver Field Office, working with Colorado’s U.S. Attorney’s Office, linked the threats to Payne through digital clues, including his IP address, tying him to the Proton Mail and Signal accounts. After his arrest, a search of his home found three firearms, a .40 caliber pistol and two rifles, possibly connected to the case.
Legal Process and Consequences
Payne faces a charge of Interstate Communication of Threats, which could lead to five years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both, plus three years of supervised release if convicted. He appeared in court on April 16, 2025, before a magistrate judge. A detention hearing is set for April 22, 2025, to decide if he stays in custody before trial. The case is numbered 25-mj-00081-NRN.
Suspect’s History
Court records show Payne worked in technology management and software. His only prior legal trouble was a minor expired vehicle registration. These charges are a major escalation. Payne and his legal team have not commented publicly, leaving his reasons unclear beyond the anti-government views in his messages.
The threats against Tesla, Elon Musk, and the 47th Presidential Cabinet have gained notice, especially early in the new administration.
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