South Carolina man charged after New York reporter made death threats

A South Carolina man accused of making a series of racist online death threats to a New York reporter has been arrested.

Austin Suman, 35, of Myrtle Beach, is charged with aggravated battery and interstate stalking. Office of the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York said

Suman faces up to 20 years in prison.

It was not clear Friday afternoon if Suman had hired an attorney.

On Nov. 8, Suman made death threats to the reporter via Facebook and email, and used racist and abusive language, according to a criminal complaint unsealed Friday.

“I’m going to finish you and your family,” he warned, according to prosecutors.

Suman’s anger was sparked by an article a reporter wrote about him in February 2019 about allegations that he threatened a roommate with a gun.

The complaint said that in his messages to the reporter, he stated that “I have more guns than ever” and that “now I’m completely in the car.”

Prosecutors said neutralizing threats against the press was a priority.

“To anyone who dares cross the line and make hateful threats against members of our press: you will be found and you will be held accountable,” said Damian Williams, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York. York.