Riverview woman pleads guilty to threatening Palestinian Americans

Editor’s note: This story contains threatening messages that some readers may find disturbing.

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — A Riverview woman agreed to send messages that included “Palestinians in Tampa must die,” among other threats, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

Andrea Rubiano, 49, pleaded guilty to communicating threats in interstate commerce and making a false statement to a federal agent, according to the Justice Department. He faces up to 10 years in prison.

A sentencing date has not yet been set.

Rubiano sent threats to 12 Palestinian families in Florida in October 2023, according to the Department of Justice. Among the profane messages were: “They are garbage, they must die first”, “We will cut off their heads in the mosque and drag them alive like rats ******* Palestinians, with their wives and children.”

The woman also reportedly sent the victim an Israeli flag, two images of a public demonstration, 12 Palestinian flag emojis, 23 skull and crossbones emojis, 10 Star of David emojis, seven flaming cannonball emojis and five mouse emojis. DOJ.

Rubiano admitted to lying to a special agent during his first interview, authorities said.

As part of the plea agreement, Rubiano acknowledged “intentionally selecting Palestinian Americans and/or Arab individuals as the targets of his threats based on their actual or perceived race, religion, national origin, or ethnicity,” authorities said.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Go to WFLA for the latest news, weather, sports and streaming video.