Suburban Atlanta man charged federally over social media threats targeting Jews and Blacks

Christopher Robertson, a 42-year-old resident of Fairburn, Georgia, appeared in federal court on charges of communicating interstate threats after allegedly posting videos to Facebook threatening violence against Jews and Black people. Robertson, who also uses the name James Lomak, was arrested on August 1 following a standoff with FBI agents. He will remain in custody until his next hearing scheduled for August 7.

United States Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg stated, “The allegations against Robertson, which include menacing visits to Jewish facilities and vile online threats against Jews and Blacks, are of great concern. Protecting the community from hate-fueled violence is a foundational part of the Department of Justice’s mission, and we will aggressively prosecute criminals who abuse the internet to terrorize and intimidate others.”

Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta Paul Brown commented on the case: “Mr. Robertson’s alleged actions serve as a disturbing reminder of the terrifying hatred our Jewish communities encounter simply because of their beliefs. The FBI will continue to work diligently with our law enforcement and community partners to investigate any individual who threatens the safety of our residents.”

Court records indicate that on July 30, staff at the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta (JFGA) noticed Robertson inside their secure parking lot without permission. Security personnel approached him; he claimed to be “the official spokesperson for the white race” and requested a meeting with a senior Jewish official before being asked to leave.

Robertson then visited The Temple synagogue in Midtown Atlanta where he made derogatory comments about Jewish people and spoke about concerns regarding white identity. An officer from the Atlanta Police Department was present during this encounter.

Subsequent investigation by Secure Community Network (SCN) staff and the FBI led authorities to social media accounts linked to Robertson containing antisemitic content and threats. One YouTube video featured him making violent statements toward Jews. Another Facebook post from July 28 showed him holding a firearm while referencing “cultural genocide” against white people.

In response to these incidents, law enforcement increased patrols at around 80 Jewish sites throughout metro Atlanta.

On July 31, after posting online about wanting to meet with a rabbi, Robertson entered a Chabad building in Peachtree City where staff members barricaded themselves for safety while police were called. He recorded this incident and posted it online as well.

The following day, another video appeared on Facebook in which Robertson threatened violence against Black individuals whom he accused of opposing white people.

A federal arrest warrant was issued later that evening for communicating interstate threats. When agents attempted an arrest at his home, Robertson barricaded himself before eventually surrendering; authorities recovered a firearm at the scene.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation is leading the investigation into this case. Assistant United States Attorneys Brent Alan Gray and Bret R. Hobson are prosecuting.

For more information about this case or related matters from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga or contact their Public Affairs Office by email or phone.