Hot topics close

Man allegedly threatens to kill police officers at St. Patrick's Day ...

Man allegedly threatens to kill police officers at St Patricks Day
A man expressing support for Islamic extremism was arrested Friday after he allegedly threatened to kill police officers marching in a St. Patrick’s Day parade.

He allegedly wrote online that the parade would be "a horror scene."

March 17, 2023, 4:21 PM

A man was charged Friday with transmitting a threat after he allegedly threatened to kill police officers at a St. Patrick's Day parade just outside of New York City.

Ridon Kola's alleged online threats were made toward officers and the mayor of Yonkers, New York, who are set to participate in Yonkers' parade on Saturday, according to prosecutors.

Kola allegedly wrote, "I will crucify Yonkers cops and their bosses all along McLean ave. It will be a horror scene," according to the criminal complaint.

Kola lives around the end of the parade route, according to the complaint.

After Kola was questioned by authorities, his "conduct escalated as he continued to assure police his threats would be carried out," Damian Williams, the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, said in a statement.

A Yonkers city official said no changes will be made to Saturday's parade, though officers will be present to ensure everyone is safe.

In this March 19, 2022, file photo, bagpipers march in the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Yonkers, N.Y.

Mark Vergari/The Journal News via USA Today Network, FILE

"I want to commend our Yonkers Police Department, FBI, NYPD, Joint Terrorism Task Force, and all agencies involved in thwarting this threat," Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano said in a statement.

"Yonkers is proud to host one of New York's largest St. Patrick's Day parades and threats like this will not intimidate us from celebrating the many contributions of our Irish American community," the mayor added.

Kola's online posts also "demonstrate support of radical Islamic extremism and terrorist attacks, including at least one terrorist attack committed on a public holiday," according to the criminal complaint.

In a "recent threatening post," Kola showed himself with an ax, according to the complaint.

PHOTO: In this image released by the Southern District of New York, Ridon Kola is shown in an image posted to his Instagram account.

In this image released by the Southern District of New York, Ridon Kola is shown in an image posted to his Instagram account.

Southern District of New York

Kola was ordered to be detained at his federal court appearance Friday.

Related Topics

Similar shots
News Archive
  • Miami basketball
    Miami basketball
    4 takeaways: Miami basketball overwhelmed by UConn in Final Four
    2 Apr 2023
    8
  • The View
    The View
    'The View' Hosts React to Donald Trump's 2024 Election Win
    6 Nov 2024
    9
  • Bon Jovi
    Bon Jovi
    Alec John Such, Former Bon Jovi Bassist and Founding Member Dies
    12 Sep 2024
    1
  • Grammys 2021
    Grammys 2021
    Grammys 2021: 10 Takeaways From A Big, Weird Night
    15 Mar 2021
    1
  • Ontario Mills
    Ontario Mills
    Food court fight causes scare at Ontario Mills Mall | abc7.com
    8 Jul 2018
    1
  • Zach Bryan tour
    Zach Bryan tour
    Zach Bryan 2024 Tour Dates With Jason Isbell, Sheryl Crow
    29 Aug 2023
    2
This week's most popular shots