Indiana man pleads guilty to threats against immigrants on tiktok

Indianapolis, IN – Preston Pickett, 59, has pleaded guilty to threatening to commit terrorism. His sentence includes two years in prison, but he will serve less than one year after credit for time served.

The FBI informed the Indianapolis Police Department about the threats made by Pickett on TikTok on January 12. He made multiple posts expressing intent to kill illegal immigrants coinciding with President Donald Trump’s inauguration.

He stated, “I will shoot on sight I don’t check IDs so you all are illegal too me.” In another post, he threatened to kill “many illegals” on January 20.

Further statements referenced his desire to be recognized for killing a significant number of immigrants on Trump’s first day in office. Law enforcement tracked Pickett’s social media activity to identify him as the source of the threats.

Upon their arrival at his residence in Southport, he confronted officers while referencing a belief that police were complicit with undocumented individuals.

Pickett questioned the legitimacy of the investigation and his rights under the Second Amendment. Officers proceeded to confiscate his cellphone and two firearms during their investigation.

As part of his plea deal, these items were ordered to be destroyed. Pickett has a history of making threats, including an incident in March where he threatened to shoot at a Florida car wash.

He previously made anonymous threats to the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office regarding employees walking to their vehicles.

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