Carl Howard Payne Jr. of Colorado Springs is facing a federal charge of interstate communication of threats after allegedly sending threatening emails titled “Declaration of War” to various news outlets targeting Tesla owners, President Donald Trump’s cabinet, and Elon Musk. The emails described plans to murder Tesla owners in “newsworthy killings” and called for the current government to be abolished. If convicted, Payne Jr. faces up to 5 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both. Payne Jr. denied sending the emails but evidence including IP addresses suggests he was the sender. The emails also referenced an operation to kill Musk and Tesla drivers. Authorities found three handguns during a search of his house, including one specifically mentioned in the email’s operation details. Payne Jr. had previously worked in technology management and the software industry with an expired vehicle registration as his only criminal record. He appeared in court and his detention hearing is scheduled for Tuesday morning.
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