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Left: Michael Ioboni (Palm Beach County Sheriff). Middle and right: Ioboni in videos posted to social media (Michael Ioboni/Facebook).
A Florida man has been apprehended following allegations that he threatened to target Christ Fellowship church, other megachurches, and politicians he accused of corruption. Authorities identified the suspect as 32-year-old Michael Ioboni.
The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office launched an investigation on Saturday after receiving reports of threats made in videos posted on Facebook. Ioboni, who recently lost his job, reportedly shared a string of alarming videos on social media on November 4, as detailed in a probable cause arrest affidavit.
In one of the videos, Ioboni allegedly expressed his anger over his job loss with the words, “I got fired and I’m fired up,” while pantomiming the act of firing a rifle. His threats didn’t stop there, as the affidavit notes that he declared an intention to target megachurches, including Christ Fellowship, which he mentioned explicitly.
He also reportedly indicated that his single status would allow him to leave the area quickly if necessary. Law enforcement was particularly alarmed because the day following the video’s release, Christ Fellowship was set to host a significant event, “Make a Meal, Make an Impact,” expected to draw about 1,000 attendees. Adding to the concern, Ioboni resides less than two miles from the church and had registered for a tour of the premises. The motive behind his threats against the church remains unclear.
Ioboni allegedly said since he is single, he would be able to quickly leave the area. Cops were especially concerned because the day after the video was posted, Christ Fellowship was slated to host a “Make a Meal, Make an Impact” event that was expected to attract around 1,000 people. The defendant lives less than 2 miles from the church and signed up to take a tour of the building. It’s unclear why he made the threats toward the church.
He posted another video on Friday where he allegedly made more threats.
“‘Cause if you give me the opportunity to defend myself. It’s gonna look like a genocide,” he reportedly said. “DON’T F— MY SUICIDE. A dead man’s switch has been chosen if anything happens to me while I’m expressing my 1st Amendment right to freedom of speech Operation Murder The Corruption will begin. I have evidence of 5 very powerful politicians. That have only destroyed this country more then MAGA has. I know who you are I dream of the day you’re put 20ft under any prison and forgotten about millions of American will thank you for my service.”
Investigators believe he was in possession of firearms as Florida Fish and Wildlife caught him firing a gun in a public space back in 2023, the affidavit said.
Ioboni was arrested and taken to the Palm Beach County Jail where he remains on a $250,000 bond. His next court date is set for Dec. 9.