Wilmington man accused of threatening Boston mosque indicted
A Wilmington man accused of using Facebook to threaten a Boston mosque last year was indicted on related charges Thursday, according to the U.S. Attorney’s office.
Patrick Keogan, 44, faces two counts of making a threat over Facebook to injure or intimidate another individual or to unlawfully damage or destroy a building by means of fire and a charge of possession of ammunition while a convicted felon, authorities said. He was initially charged in a criminal complaint and arrested late last month.
Last November, Keogan allegedly posted a meme depicting a mosque engulfed in flames with writing that said, “Burn your local mosque” to the Islamic Society of Boston Culture Center (ISBCC)’s Facebook page. Authorities say he wrote “Hello scumbags” and a smiley face emoji along with the post.
Keogan then posted the same image to a Facebook page belonging to the Islamic Society of Northeastern University, according to the U.S. Attorney’s office.
Authorities said a search of Keogan’s Facebook account revealed similar activity. In 2013, he allegedly shared a post that said, “On July 4th, Joplin, Missouri’s Islamic Center — the city’s only mosque — suffered roof damage after an unidentified man set it on fire by tossing a burning object onto the building.” In response, authorities say Keogan wrote: “Somewhere out there is an unknown hero. The people’s champion. A true God amongst mortal men. May your days be many & troubles be few my good man.”
When FBI agents interviewed Keogan in December, he allegedly admitted to posting the meme, but said that he was “just dicking around online,” and had no intention of actually hurting Muslims or damaging mosques.
Just days after allegedly posting the image to ISBCC’s page, authorities said Keogan wrote a status that read, “Canada enters the Mosque Burning Winter Olympics of 2016 early! Who will take the Gold? Who will take the Silver? and WHO will take the Bronze??? We’ll have to wait til the snow clears to find out folks but lets keep our fingers crossed for some fierce competition! And remember- you (yes you) are a qualified competitor of your own nation- so get out there and help your Country be number one in this winter’s Mosque Burning Olympics!”
The Facebook search also led authorities to believe that Keogan had continued to buy, sell, trade, build, modify, possess, and shoot firearms and ammunition. After installing a GPS tracking device on his car, officials found that Keogan had traveled to New Hampshire to purchase ammunition in May, violating his statutory probation as a convicted felon, according to the U.S. Attorney’s office.
Keogan has two prior convictions: one in 2000 for drinking and driving and another from 2006 for assault and battery with a deadly weapon.
To comment, please create a screen name in your profile
To comment, please verify your email address
Conversation
This discussion has ended. Please join elsewhere on Boston.com