Law enforcement officials have arrested a self-proclaimed “reverend” associated with a white supremacy movement on charges of threatening the jury involved in the Pittsburgh Synagogue shooting trial. The accused, Hardy Carroll Lloyd, 45, was taken into custody. The suspect is now facing charges including obstruction of justice.
The accused, Hardy Carroll Lloyd, 45, was taken into custody without incident and is facing charges of obstruction of justice, transmitting threats across state lines, and witness tampering. (Photo: Youtube-NBC)
Pittsburgh Synagogue Shooting Trial
The Pittsburgh synagogue shooting, which occurred on October 27, 2018, during a Saturday morning service at the Tree of Life synagogue, led to the death of 11 individuals. Robert Bowers, the perpetrator, was subsequently found guilty of all 63 federal charges related to the massacre.
According to CNN, one particular email dated May 17 was reportedly sent to various news outlets, where Lloyd purportedly stated, “Remember, jurors, we WILL be watching and we WILL be taking pictures of ALL cars and people who leave the courthouse.” This happened during the course of the Pittsburgh Synagogue shooting trial.
Lloyd, according to the affidavit, justified his actions as “100% LEGAL” surveillance of witnesses and jurors during the Pittsburgh Synagogue shooting trial.
Furthermore, Lloyd is also alleged to have endorsed a campaign involving the distribution of antisemitic stickers throughout predominantly Jewish neighborhoods in Pittsburgh. Some of these stickers bore slogans like “It’s okay to be white,” while one prominently featured a swastika symbol.
According to the affidavit, Lloyd’s online posts included calls for violence against Jewish individuals, and he even demanded the release of Robert Bowers with a warning of “consequences” if his demand wasn’t met.
Man Arrested for Threatening Jury in Pittsburgh Synagogue Shooting Trial
The accused, Hardy Carroll Lloyd, 45, was taken into custody without incident and is facing charges of obstruction of justice, transmitting threats across state lines, and witness tampering, CBS News reported.
Lloyd’s arrest is connected to his alleged actions during the Pittsburgh Synagogue shooting trial of Robert Bowers, who was recently sentenced to death for killing 11 congregants at the Pittsburgh synagogue. Authorities have cited evidence that Lloyd engaged in writing threatening messages on social media platforms and websites, as well as sending intimidating emails to both the jury and witnesses involved in the trial.
U.S. Attorney William Ihlenfeld, in response to the arrest, emphasized the importance of safeguarding jury trials and the justice system against intimidation and threats.
He noted, “Jury trials are a hallmark of the American justice system, and attempts to intimidate witnesses or jurors will be met with a strong response.”
If convicted, Hardy Carroll Lloyd faces potential sentences of up to 10 years in prison for obstruction of justice, up to five years for transmitting threats, and up to 20 years for witness tampering.
