FBI Arrests Raleigh Teen Accused of Threatening Mass Shooting, Idolizing Mass Shooters

Raleigh, N.C. – On Thursday, March 20, 2026, the FBI arrested 19-year-old Eric Byrd of Raleigh, North Carolina, and charged him with communicating a threat after he allegedly posted alarming messages on social media threatening a mass shooting. Byrd is also accused of having an obsession with mass shooters and expressing extremist views.

Details of the Case

According to federal prosecutors, Byrd consumed content related to mass shooters and expressed a desire to emulate them. The FBI began investigating after Byrd’s parents raised concerns about his behavior, leading to an involuntary commitment request filed jointly by the Raleigh Police Department and the FBI on March 9, 2026 MSN.

Social Media Posts and Extremist Views

Charging documents reveal that Byrd frequently posted photos of himself with firearms and shared content containing pro-Nazi and white supremacist messaging. He reportedly stated, “I love death and destruction. I hope much more comes.” WRAL.

The FBI alleges that Byrd utilized Instagram to express racially or ethnically motivated violent extremism, indicating an intent to harm Black people, Hispanics, and homosexuals, as well as himself WRAL. He used hashtags such as #WHITEPOWER and #HH, believed to be an acronym for “Heil Hitler.”

Idolization of Past Shooters

Byrd allegedly praised Brenton Tarrant, the perpetrator of the 2019 Christchurch mosque shootings, and Elliot Rodger, who committed a mass shooting in Isla Vista, California, in 2014 WRAL. In January 2026, Byrd sent text messages stating his intention to “be a complete menace and danger to society,” and expressed admiration for Tarrant, stating, “The world needs more Brenton Tarrants.” He further admitted to reading Tarrant’s manifesto and watching his livestream, describing the experience as bringing him “tears of joy” WRAL.

Ongoing Investigation

The FBI continues to investigate the extent of Byrd’s plans and potential connections to other extremist groups. Meta Platforms, the parent company of Instagram, flagged the concerning posts to federal authorities, prompting the investigation News & Observer.