Crime & Safety

Bayside Man Accused of Threatening to Kill Pennsylvania Bank Employees: Report

Michael Chung was arrested by federal agents after allegedly faxing a threatening note to a Sovereign Bank.

The FBI has arrested a Bayside man after he allegedly threatened to launch an armed attack on a bank in Pennsylvania, the New York Post reported.

Michael Chung, who has described himself as a member of the "sovereign citizen movement," was arrested at his home Tuesday night by federal agents after he faced a threat to a Sovereign Bank in Pottsville, which is about 100 miles from Philadelphia, the Post reported.

Chung is accused of threatening to kill employees at the bank as well as an attorney and loss prevention officer and the incident is being investigated as a possible domestic terrorism threat.

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According to the Post, Chung's alleged note read, "The Second Amendment to the National Constitution authorizes the use of force to protect my interests as a national citizen. I believe I have a basis to act in that manner."

Chung is alleged to have chosen Sovereign because he is engaged with a business dispute with the bank regarding a loan he had taken out, the Post reported. Authorities said he was attempting to force the bank to cancel an outstanding balance involved in an effort to sell his home.

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He was scheduled to be arraigned Wednesday in Brooklyn federal court.


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