Police say a Penn Yan man is in custody on felony charges after publishing his plans to overthrow the government.
Tyler R. Newkirk, 33, of Penn Yan has been arrested on charges of Criminal Anarchy following an investigation by multiple law enforcement agencies. Newkirk was taken into custody at a motel in Montour Falls and is accused of composing and disseminating written materials calling for the violent overthrow of the state, local, and federal government.
According to police, Newkirk also made threatening phone calls to various U.S. military installations and posted messages on social media calling for attacks on military personnel, local law enforcement, government officials, and banks. He is also alleged to have called for the public beheading of government and police officials who did not align with his plans.
Despite his claims of wanting to topple the existing government and replace it with a new system, there is no evidence that Newkirk had the means to carry out any large-scale attack or that he was working with anyone else. After being processed on the arrest, Newkirk was transported to a medical facility for a mental health evaluation and possible treatment.
The Penn Yan Police Department, in collaboration with the FBI, NYSP, U.S. Army, social media companies, Geneva Police Department, Webster Police Department, and Schuyler County Sheriff’s Office, conducted the investigation. Police Chief Thomas Dunham reminded residents to be aware of suspicious activity and to report it to local law enforcement. The investigation was originally prompted by a concerned community member reporting Newkirk’s suspicious online activity.
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