A Marine, Joshua Cobb, was arrested in New Jersey after allegedly threatening to kill white people in social media posts and planning a mass shooting. He was charged with transmitting a threat in interstate and foreign commerce and was found to have detailed information on potential targets for a shooting, including a local gym and Aldi grocery store. Cobb joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 2023 and had recently been discharged before his arrest.
Cobb had posted on social media that he was preparing for a major attack, gathering guns and ammunition, and planning entry and exit points. He specifically targeted white people, stating that he wanted to erase them and planned to carry out the attack in New Jersey in 2023. He continued to post threatening messages throughout 2023, discussing the rush he’d feel while shooting someone and expressing a desire to become a serial killer.
In April and May 2023, Cobb posted more online messages expressing his desire to become a serial killer and cause harm. He mentioned his hatred for life and desire for everyone to suffer. He also indicated that the only way out for him was through bloodshed, leaving clues for investigators to find once he was done. He idolized other mass shooters in statements to law enforcement officers after his arrest.
Further investigation found additional homicidal ideations on Cobb’s cell phone, including notes about lacking the means to kill as many people as he intended at that time. He mentioned accumulating necessary equipment for a rampage that would result in the death of many individuals. Cobb faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine for his threats and plans for a mass shooting.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey announced Cobb’s arrest and charges, highlighting the seriousness of the threats and planning he had undertaken. Cobb’s alleged desire to target white individuals specifically due to his own struggles as a black male was a significant aspect of his social media posts and conversations with law enforcement. His detailed planning and discussion of acquiring firearms and ammunition raise concerns about his potential to carry out a mass shooting.
Cobb’s case brings attention to the issue of online threats and the potential for individuals to act on their violent intentions. The information found on his cell phone and social media posts painted a disturbing picture of his mindset and plans for significant harm. The legal consequences he faces underscore the seriousness of making threats against others and the need for law enforcement to take action to prevent potential tragedies.
