CLAY COUNTY, Fla. – A Clay County man was arrested Sept. 19 after authorities investigated reported threats targeting the Jewish community, according to a federal criminal complaint and a statement from local Jewish organizations.
Duncan MacDonald is charged with interstate transmission of a threat to injure another person, according to a complaint filed Friday in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida.
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The complaint alleges MacDonald posted four Instagram videos between Sept. 16 and Sept. 17 showing firearms, ammunition, tactical gear and other equipment inside a residence.
According to an affidavit filed with the complaint, the person recording the videos made threats against Jewish people and referenced Adolf Hitler. The affidavit also says the person discussed a flamethrower, a .50-caliber rifle and loaded ammunition magazines.
In one video, the affidavit said a man who was not visible to the camera said, “You know, you need those, because we’re over here gonna hunt Jews. We’re gonna, you know, take them out because the Austrian painter was correct.”
An FBI special agent said MacDonald appeared in the fourth video and was identified through a comparison with his Florida driver’s license photos. The affidavit also alleges MacDonald sent text messages referring to “Shabby service,” which investigators believe was a reference to Shabbat services, Jewish worship gatherings that begin Friday evening.
The complaint says the FBI was alerted to the videos by the Secure Community Network and the Jewish Federation & Foundation of Northeast Florida.
In a statement, the two organizations commended law enforcement for what they called the swift arrest and said they worked with law enforcement partners to share information, support the investigation and help provide the community with situational awareness.
“The Jewish Federation & Foundation of Northeast Florida is committed to the safety and security of the entire Jewish community. These efforts are an example of the power of the collective,” said Mariam Feist, CEO of the Jewish Federation & Foundation of Northeast Florida.
Feist thanked the FBI in Jacksonville, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and Clay County Sheriff Michelle Cook, St. Johns County Sheriff Rob Hardwick and Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters.
“We are grateful to law enforcement for the swift action they took and the numerous resources they dedicated to protecting our community,” said Michael Masters, SCN national director and CEO. “Our strong partnerships allow us to work together to protect our communities, build resilience, and ensure security is never a barrier to living a Jewish life.”
The complaint says investigators obtained subscriber information from T-Mobile and Meta that they say linked MacDonald to the phone number and Instagram account associated with the videos. The affidavit also says FBI surveillance observed MacDonald’s vehicle outside a residence in Middleburg on Friday.
The organizations said the investigation remains ongoing and urged the public to rely on verified information.
The allegations are contained in a criminal complaint, and MacDonald is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
