A California man was arrested after social media users reported threats he had made on social media targeted at the Asian community.
Former Berkeley, California, gang member Reginald Jackson was taken into police custody after he had threatened to assault, murder and rob Asian-Americans ahead of the Lunar New Year holiday, ABC7 reported Wednesday.
Jackson allegedly made the threats publicly via his Twitter and Instagram accounts, ABC7 reported, with one of his profile pictures depicting him with a firearm.
Using these images OPD identified him as a man w/a lengthy rap sheet including multiple weapons charges.
During his court appearance in Dublin today heard the judge say he had “incredible concern.”
Thanks to all the tips— the man is now is custody. #StopTheAttacks pic.twitter.com/BjKNj2MBAh
— Dion Lim (@DionLimTV) February 23, 2021
“I’m gone blow [up] an Asian done [sic] today,” one message from Jackson read, according to ABC7. Another message said that his followers would “her [sic] about an Asian getting beat the f— up today.”
“Oakland Police Investigators received information from a media partner regarding the disturbing remarks towards members of the Asian community,” a statement from the City of Oakland read in part. “OPD investigators immediately launched a criminal investigation into this matter.” (RELATED: Mayor Of Oakland Goes After City Council For Wanting To Slash Police Budget After Another Brutal Attack Caught On Video)
Law enforcement quickly identified Jackson as the person behind the accounts and the threats, the statement read.
“[Jackson] was interviewed and booked into jail for criminal threats involving hate crimes, a probation violation, and weapons charges,” the Oakland Police Department said in a statement.
He has a long history of criminal activity ranging from attempted robbery of a minor to being in possession of an AR-15 and is listed as a felon, ABC7 reported.
Jackson was out on post-release community supervision before his Tuesday court appearance, ABC7 reported. The judge presiding over the case reportedly set bail at $190,000 due to “incredible concern” over his frequent court appearances.