A Florida man accused of threatening a mass shooting in New York City over Thanksgiving weekend promoted himself as a mixed martial arts fighter, according to new documents in Tampa Federal Court.
Robert Trout III posted on social media promotional ads depicting himself in boxer shorts and promoting appearances at “gyms, locations, and events” on Florida’s Gulf Coast, says a criminal complaint.
At a hearing Friday, a judge ordered Trout, 19, jailed while his case is pending trial.
The criminal complaint, made public Friday, said Trout “has a criminal history including aggravated assault, possession of a concealed weapon, resisting arrest without violence, and theft.”
The Pinellas Park, Fla. resident was arrested Nov. 22 after posting online video in which he displayed multiple firearms, including two semi-automatic guns with extended clips and stated his plans to “cause havoc on the subway.”
“If you’re from New York City, do not take the train on Thursday evening,” Trout said in the video.
“I’m gonna shoot anybody I see on othat f***in’ train – I’m just gonna walk on that train and start f***ing unloading,” Trout said, according to the criminal complaint.
The complaint said Trout claimed to have two “30s” — apparently a reference to magazines capable of holding 30 rounds.
“Two 30s — that’s sixty shots; that’s sixty people dead,” he said. “I’m going to walk to Grand Central or some s**t and just hit up
everybody on the f***in’ train. If you’re from New York City, do not take the train on Thursday evening, bro.”
Trout was also arrested in February 2022 and accused of pointing a gun at another man during a dispute. The charges were later dismissed after Trout agreed to enter a pretrial diversion program, the outlet said.
His Instagram posts have been taken down since his arrest.
MTA spokesperson Joana Flores released a statement on Sunday saying, “The NYPD and federal law enforcement authorities made clear prior to and on Thanksgiving that there were no specific credible threats to New York City, including to the transit system, and we are grateful to policing professionals here, and across the country, for the work they do to keep New Yorkers safe.”
Trout faces five years in prison if he is convicted of federal charges of making a “true threat” to injure other people in interstate communications.
