BOULDER, Colo. — Federal investigators have arrested a man they believe could be an aspiring terrorist. Wesley Gilreath, 29, was arrested for possession of child pornography while federal agents investigated his alleged materials that could have been the basis of a terror attack.
The FBI says Gilreath posted “hunting guides” online about violently targeting Jews, Muslims and refugees. Evidence suggests Gilreath could be a white supremacist, according to court records.
“I was asleep and I heard ‘FBI, open up,’” Gilreath’s neighbor said.
The neighbor says he saw agents raid Gilreath’s apartment last week at 3605 Table Mesa Dr. in Boulder.
“I like freaked out … came to the door, and I saw them go into this place,” the neighbor said.
Court papers show Gilreath was being investigated by the FBI as early as January 2019. Agents tracked the suspect after they say he posted a “Montana Hunting Guide” with information that may be used to violently target Jews, Muslims, the Bureau of Land Management, Montana National Guard facilities and a refugee center. Gilreath is also accused of listing addresses of mosques and synagogues.
Additionally, according to an affidavit, he had a video saved to his phone that appeared to show the gunman killing Muslims at mosques in New Zealand earlier this year.
In May, Gilreath tried to buy a gun at GunSport Colorado in Boulder, according to the FBI. The shop refused sell Gilreath a gun after he completed an ATF form.
The purchase was denied because he was previously adjudicated as a “mental defective or committed to a mental institution” on March 21, 2016, according to the affidavit.
The concerns over potential terrorism have not yet led to charges. The possession of child porn is what federal authorities are using to hold Gilreath as they continue searching for evidence.
Gilreath left his unlocked iPhone on an RTD bus, leading authorities to arrest him, court records show. Boulder police were alerted to the phone by RTD on June 1, 2019.
Federal prosecutors have charged him with having hundreds of photos and videos of child porn.
Gilreath’s neighbor says the man who lived next to him was always sort of a mystery.
“I’ve never seen the guy,” he said. “I always heard weird stomping noises coming from [Gilreath’s apartment].”
Gilreath remains in custody after a federal judge ordered he stay locked up as the case moves forward.
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