Dallas Resident Admits to Series of Violent Threats Against Religious Communities
In a significant legal development, Bhushan Athale, 49, from Dallas, Texas, pleaded guilty to federal charges after admitting to making violent threats against a Sikh nonprofit organization. The charges include one count of interfering with federally protected activities through the threatened use of a dangerous weapon and one count of transmitting an interstate threat to injure another person. 
According to court documents, on September 17, 2022, Athale left seven voicemails on the main line of a Sikh civil rights organization. These messages were laden with violent imagery and obscenities, specifically targeting Sikh religious practices. Athale threatened to forcibly shave members' hair, compel them to consume tobacco, and inflict other forms of harm. 
Further investigations revealed that in March 2024, Athale left additional voicemails for the same organization, expanding his threats to include Muslims and expressing antisemitic sentiments. He also admitted to sending threatening electronic messages in November 2021 to a former co-worker, expressing hatred towards Pakistanis and Muslims, and in May 2024 to a recruiter he believed to be Muslim, stating, "you will be dead, get out [expletive] Muslim." 
Acting U.S. Attorney Vikas Khanna emphasized the gravity of the offenses, stating, "Threats of violence have no place in our society. Every individual in this country must be free to practice their religion without fear of violence or persecution." Special Agent in Charge Wayne A. Jacobs of the FBI's Philadelphia Field Office added, "Every citizen has the right to feel safe, secure, and free from fear of violence or hate." 
Athale faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for interfering with federally protected activities and up to five years for transmitting interstate threats. Both charges also carry a potential fine of up to $250,000. Sentencing is scheduled for June 3. 
This case underscores the Department of Justice's commitment to prosecuting hate crimes and ensuring the safety of all religious communities.