Editor’s note: This story contains threatening messages that some readers may find offensive.
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — A Riverview woman pleaded guilty to sending 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 transmitting a threat in interstate commerce and making false statements to a federal agent, according to the DOJ. She 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 DOJ. The profanity-filled messages included things like “They are trash and should die first,” “In the mosque we are going to behead them and drag them alive like rats ******* Palestinians with their wives and children.”
The woman also reportedly sent a victim an Israeli flag, two images of an apparent public demonstration, 12 Palestinian flag emojis, 23 skull-and-crossbone emojis, 10 Star of David emojis, seven lit cannonball emojis and five rat emojis, according to the DOJ.