Left: Michael Ioboni (Palm Beach County Sheriff). Middle and right: Ioboni in videos posted to social media (Michael Ioboni/Facebook).
A Florida man is behind bars after he allegedly threatened to open fire on Christ Fellowship church, megachurches and politicians he deemed corrupt.
Michael Ioboni, 32, stands accused of making terroristic threats. The Palm Beach County Sheriff”s Office began investigating Saturday after receiving tips about a man making threats in videos posted to Facebook. Ioboni had recently been fired from his job and posted a series of “concerning videos” to social media on Nov. 4, a probable cause arrest affidavit said.
“I got fired and I’m fired up,” he allegedly said while mimicking firing a rifle with his hands.
Per the affidavit, he went on to say: “I would never take my own life, but I understand the people that I am going to be going after are and could potentially be dangerous, I’m going after megachurches, Christ Fellowship is on my list to hit also.”
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Ioboni allegedly said since he is single, he would be able to quickly leave the area. Cops were especially concerned because the day after the video was posted, Christ Fellowship was slated to host a “Make a Meal, Make an Impact” event that was expected to attract around 1,000 people. The defendant lives less than 2 miles from the church and signed up to take a tour of the building. It’s unclear why he made the threats toward the church.
He posted another video on Friday where he allegedly made more threats.
“‘Cause if you give me the opportunity to defend myself. It’s gonna look like a genocide,” he reportedly said. “DON’T F— MY SUICIDE. A dead man’s switch has been chosen if anything happens to me while I’m expressing my 1st Amendment right to freedom of speech Operation Murder The Corruption will begin. I have evidence of 5 very powerful politicians. That have only destroyed this country more then MAGA has. I know who you are I dream of the day you’re put 20ft under any prison and forgotten about millions of American will thank you for my service.”
Investigators believe he was in possession of firearms as Florida Fish and Wildlife caught him firing a gun in a public space back in 2023, the affidavit said.
Ioboni was arrested and taken to the Palm Beach County Jail where he remains on a $250,000 bond. His next court date is set for Dec. 9.
