In a recent federal trial, a California resident was found guilty of sending a series of menacing emails to the FBI, including explicit threats to bomb their Los Angeles Field Office. The convicted individual, Mark William Anten, 52, of Sun Valley, was charged with two counts of threats by interstate communication. Anten, who has been in federal custody since December 2023, now faces the possibility of up to ten years in prison.
Anten’s Pattern of Escalation
The court heard that from July 2023 to December 2023, Anten engaged in a troubling pattern of behavior, sending increasingly threatening communications to FBI agents. His emails culminated in two particularly alarming threats to bomb the FBI field office located in Westwood, Los Angeles.
A Grim Inspiration
Anten’s communications were not only threatening but also chilling in their content. He repeatedly referenced Theodore John Kaczynski, infamously known as “The Unabomber.” Kaczynski’s two-decade-long bombing campaign resulted in the deaths of three individuals and injuries to nearly two dozen others. Kaczynski, who spent most of his prison sentence in the Supermax federal prison in Colorado, passed away last year in another federal facility. Anten’s appropriation of Kaczynski’s moniker and his bomb threats were particularly concerning to authorities.
Acknowledgement and Escalation
On November 20, 2023, FBI task force officers interviewed Anten outside his residence. Anten acknowledged sending the earlier threatening messages throughout the questioning. Despite being admonished to cease all contact with FBI agents, Anten’s threats did not stop. Instead, they escalated.
Alarming Threats and Disturbing Imagery
On December 5, 2023, Anten sent an email to FBI agents declaring, “I AM THE UNABOMBER” and threatening, “I WILL UNABOMB THE LOS ANGELES FBI HQ.” The following day, his threats intensified as he wrote, “I can go on a mass murder spree. In fact it would be very explainable by your actions.” Actually, your behavior would make it rather understandable.” With a menacing “you ain’t getting away with this one,” he signed off on the email as “SuperMax or Death.”
Anten also attached a photograph to one of his emails that showed the results of an internet search for “how to make a dirty bomb,” adding to the alarm of FBI officials.
Physical Presence and Continued Threats
Anten’s threats were not confined to digital communications. On December 6, 2023, Anten visited the FBI Los Angeles Field Office. He later emailed agents, informing them of his visit and stating he would continue to do so. Surveillance footage confirmed his presence at the field office, heightening the urgency of the threat he posed.
Conviction and Sentencing
Following a three-day trial, Anten was convicted of two counts of threats by interstate communication. His sentencing is scheduled for September 13, where he faces a statutory maximum sentence of five years in prison for each count. The final sentence will be determined by a federal district court judge, who will consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Statements from Authorities
The conviction elicited strong reactions from federal officials. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland emphasized, “This verdict clearly demonstrates that the Justice Department has zero tolerance for threats of violence against the FBI. The men and women of the FBI are dedicated public servants who perform their duties with integrity and skill. We will relentlessly pursue those who threaten them with violence to ensure they are held accountable.”
U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada for the Central District of California echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the sacrifices made by law enforcement officers. “Law enforcement officers put their lives on the line to keep our community safe and therefore deserve our thanks and respect. He stated, “Those who threaten law enforcement officials, including the FBI, fail to recognize the daily sacrifices these officers make to safeguard the public and undermine the rule of law.” We will not waver in our support of our law enforcement allies.”
Ongoing Investigation and Prosecution
The FBI continues to investigate the case, with Assistant U.S. Attorneys Clifford D. Mpare and Kedar S. Bhatia for the Central District of California leading the prosecution. This case highlights the serious consequences of making threats against federal law enforcement and underscores the Justice Department’s commitment to safeguarding the safety and integrity of its officers.
