White supremacist accused of threatening jury, witnesses in trial of Pittsburgh synagogue gunman

WHEELING, W.Va. — A self-proclaimed white supremacist was arrested Thursday on prices that he made on-line threats towards the jury and witnesses on the trial of a person who killed 11 congregants at a Pittsburgh synagogue, the U.S. Justice Department stated.

Hardy Carroll Lloyd of Follansbee, West Virginia, is accused of sending threatening social media posts and emails together with feedback on web sites concerning the trial of Robert Bowers. In addition, Lloyd, 45, allegedly was chargeable for stickers positioned in predominantly Jewish areas of Pittsburgh directing individuals to a web site containing his threats and antisemitic messages, the Justice Department stated in a information launch.

“Jury trials are a hallmark of the American justice system and attempts to intimidate witnesses or jurors will be met with a strong response,” U.S. Attorney William Ihlenfeld stated. “The use of hateful threats in an effort to undermine a trial is especially troubling.”

Bowers was sentenced to demise final week after a jury decided that capital punishment was applicable for the perpetrator of the deadliest assault on Jews in U.S. historical past.

The Justice Department described Lloyd as a self-proclaimed “reverend” of a white supremacy motion. He was being held with out bond within the Northern Regional Jail in Moundsville. Jail information didn’t point out whether or not Lloyd has an lawyer who might touch upon the fees.

Lloyd, who was arrested with out incident, is charged with obstruction of the due administration of justice, transmitting threats in interstate and overseas commerce, and witness tampering. The prices carry a complete most punishment of 35 years in jail upon conviction.