The Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office in Florida arrested Michael Laboni, 32, this week after receiving a tip from a citizen that led to an investigation into threatening posts on social media, according to an affidavit released by authorities.

Prosecutors say Laboni posted and then deleted a video on November 4 in the who claimed to have been fired and made gestures simulating the use of a rifle, in addition to uttering phrases that authorities interpreted as threats against places of worship.

“I was fired and I’m furious,” the man says, according to the arrest report. In the same clip, he can be heard adding, “It’s a deadly shot,” and simulating the sound of a gun being pulled.

In another post, dated November 7, the detainee allegedly expressed that the action “would look like genocide,” according to the official document.

Contact with the church and prior behavior

The investigation also determined that Laboni lives 2.4 kilometers from Christ Fellowship Church, one of the institutions that, according to the police, were on his target list. Authorities stated that on November 2, the man registered for a congregation event called “Journey,” ostensibly to learn about the church. After receiving an alert from parish staff about Laboni's behavior—who, according to the complaint, “had been frequenting the church recently”—police gathered evidence that led to his arrest. He was formally charged with written threats of death or bodily harm and remains in custody on a $250,000 bond, according to jail records. County representatives emphasized the importance of the community reporting any suspicious behavior. “We take all threats against places of worship seriously and will continue to work with congregations to ensure public safety,” a Sheriff’s Office spokesperson stated.The case will proceed in local jurisdiction, and authorities have advised worshippers to remain vigilant and report any unusual behavior to law enforcement.