Joseph Veilleux allegedly posted 18 violent and racially charged threats on YouTube, targeting lawmakers, protestors and Pride events.
SAN ANTONIO — Editor’s Note: The spelling of “payed” instead of “paid” in the YouTube comments described below is as the comment reads.
A San Antonio man is facing charges after investigators say he posted a series of violent and racially motivated threats online—targeting prominent political leaders, protestors and even a Pride parade.
55-year-old Joseph Veilleux was arrested last week after San Antonio Police say they received a tip about disturbing comments he allegedly made on YouTube.
According to an arrest affidavit, Veilleux posted at least 18 threats on the platform from May 24 to June 11, including direct death threats aimed at New York Congressman Hakeem Jeffries and California Congresswoman Maxine Waters, both Democrats.
Authorities say his comments also targeted federal judges, Los Angeles protestors and people attending a Pride event.
According to court documents, in one post about a Pride parade, Veilleux wrote: “Great place for a bombing… kill all these [expletive].”
Another message, according to investigators, directed at protestors in Los Angeles, read:
“I hope they unalive every protestor… me and my buddies are headed to LA… it’s a good time to get away with a couple of drive-bys right now.”
But detectives say Veilleux appeared to focus much of his hate on Congressman Jeffries. Court records show he posted multiple comments threatening the congressman and his family.
- “Watch out buddy because we know where you and your family lay their heads.”
- “I’m gonna kill your family, Jeffries.”
- “You just signed your own death certificate… I’ve been payed to do the world a favor… you should stay away from your family.”
The affidavit states that Capitol Police and California Highway Patrol were notified of the threats, which reportedly left multiple people fearing for their lives.
Veilleux is also accused of posting separate death threats against late-night TV host Jimmy Kimmel, according to an arrest warrant, that read in part”
- “Jimmy can I please kill you and your family…”
- “Gonna kill you Kimmel”
Authorities traced the threats back to Veilleux through his registered YouTube account and other identifying information, according to an arrest warrant.
Veilleux was released from the Bexar County Jail a day after his arrest after posting his $20,000 bond, according to online court records. His next appearance before a judge is set for September.
It’s unclear if he will face additional federal charges.