“Billy Badass” Charged for Terrorist Threats

November 28, 2025

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A California man who brazenly used the social media pseudonym “Billy Badass” is now facing up to 20 years in federal prison after escalating online antisemitic hate into explicit terrorist threats. Elijah Alexander King, 36, is charged with three federal felonies for threatening to “blow up every synagogue in a 20-mile radius” on X (formerly Twitter). The case highlights the dangerous intersection of extremist ideology and social media, as King continued his hateful campaign even while under psychiatric hold. His prosecution sends a strong message regarding the federal government’s commitment to protecting religious communities from online terror.

Story Highlights

Elijah Alexander King, 36, threatened to “blow up every synagogue in a 20-mile radius” on X (Twitter).
King explicitly told followers “This is a real threat send the police and report me for terrorism”.
Despite psychiatric intervention, he continued posting antisemitic content praising Adolf Hitler.
Federal prosecutors charged him with three felonies carrying potential 20-year sentence.
King pleaded not guilty and was released on bond with trial set for January 2026.

Explicit Terrorist Threats Target Religious Communities

On August 28, 2025, Elijah Alexander King posted a chilling message on X under his “Billy Badass” pseudonym: “I’m gonna blow up every synagogue in a 20-mile radius.” The San Luis Obispo resident immediately followed with another post declaring “This is a real threat send the police and report me for terrorism.” Within ten minutes of making these threats, King used his cellphone to repeatedly search for synagogue locations near his home, suggesting potential operational planning.

Federal prosecutors discovered King’s X account contained a disturbing pattern of antisemitic content, including praise for Adolf Hitler and images of weapons including handguns, knives, and mace. This pre-existing hate demonstrates the threats were not isolated incidents but part of an escalating pattern of extremist ideology targeting Jewish Americans and their houses of worship.

Psychiatric Hold Fails to Stop Antisemitic Campaign

Law enforcement immediately responded to the threats by contacting King and having him transported to a hospital for psychiatric evaluation and monitoring. However, even while under psychiatric hold, King continued his antisemitic campaign on social media. He posted statements about his arrest and repeatedly shared hateful rhetoric targeting Jewish people, indicating his behavior stemmed from ideological commitment rather than mental health crisis alone.

Between September and October 2025, King allegedly escalated his harassment by sending numerous racist voicemails and emails to the police detective who initiated his psychiatric hold. This pattern of continued antagonism toward law enforcement demonstrates persistent extremist behavior despite professional intervention and legal consequences.

Federal Prosecution Sends Strong Message

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California charged King with three federal felonies: threats and false information regarding fire and explosives, threats by interstate communication, and false information and hoaxes. These charges carry potential sentences of up to 10 years for the explosives-related count and up to 5 years each for the other charges, totaling a possible 20-year federal prison sentence.

King pleaded not guilty to all charges during his November 25, 2025 arraignment in downtown Los Angeles federal court. Despite the serious nature of the charges, he was released on bond pending trial, scheduled tentatively for January 13, 2026. This federal prosecution demonstrates the Trump administration’s commitment to protecting religious freedom and prosecuting those who target Americans based on their faith.

Watch the report: Suspect in synagogue threats case to remain jailed until trial