As the U.S. Capitol riot unfolded, he was ready to 'attack from all sides.' Police found him with 1,000 rounds of ammo.
Even as the riot at the U.S. Capitol unfolded, a New York City man
continued to post on social media that he was ready to travel to Washington to help in an armed rebellion.
“I am awaiting my orders…armed and ready to deploy,” read one message.
“Guns cleaned loaded…got a bunch of guys all armed and ready to deploy…we are just waiting for the word,” read another.
“It’s time to unleash some violence,” read yet another.
When FBI officials raided his home days later, they found more than 1,000 rounds of ammunition despite the suspect being previously convicted of a felony.
The posts and ammunition could now cost Eduard Florea his freedom after he pleaded guilty to a federal charge of transmitting threats to injure and one count of possessing ammunition after having being convicted of a felony.
Florea pleaded guilty during an Aug. 16 hearing and faces up to 15 years in prison. He will be sentenced at a later date.
Prosecutors say Florea made several comments about wanting to kill officials, including Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.). Florea also made comments about wanting to commit violence in Washington D.C. over the certification of the 2020 election.
Around 8:40 p.m., on Jan. 5 — the day before the riot at the U.S. Capitol — Florea posted, “we need to all come to an agreement…and go armed…and really take back Washington.” A few minutes later he posted, “Tomorrow may very [well] be the day war kicks off.”
He also made references to Warnock and said that a dead man can’t pass laws.
Then as the Capitol riots took place, Florea continued to post on social media that he was part of an armed group ready to travel to Washington D.C., prosecutors noted.
On Jan. 12, FBI agents and others raided Florea’s Queens home and found the ammunition.
“With today’s guilty plea, Florea admits to threatening the life of a successful candidate for the U.S. Senate and to urging others to take up arms to unleash violence at the Capitol on January 6, 2021 to thwart the results of the Presidential election.” Acting U.S. Attorney Jacquelyn M. Kasulis said in announcing the guilty plea. “This Office is deeply committed to protecting our democratic institutions and to using all available tools to preserve the public safety, uphold the rule of law and support the peaceful transfer of power.”
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