Man Previously Charged With Terror Threats Arrested for Trying to Open Bank Account Using 'TheNextMassShooter' Email

A man who was charged with making terror threats a few months ago has been arrested again after authorities say he tried to open a bank account using an email address featuring the phrase "TheNextMassShooter."

Brian Groner, 27, was charged with making a terroristic threat on Friday, The Jefferson City News Tribune reported. It came just over three months after he was first charged with the same crime because of statements he allegedly posted about the Columbine massacre.

Court documents said Groner, of Jefferson City, Missouri, applied online to open an account with Merill, a Bank of America company, earlier this month, KRCG reported.

After the application was processed, a bank employee sent a welcome email to the account Groner listed on his application on November 11, but received a reply from Groner from a different email address. The employee became concerned and flagged the new email address—"TheNextMassShooter@gmail.com"—to his supervisor and it was later reported to authorities.

The News Tribune reported that up to 10 employees saw the email and were scared of something bad happening as a result.

According to KRCG, Groner called Merrill on November 12 and confirmed the information on the application was his, but denied applying for the bank account and denied that "TheNextMassShooter@gmail.com" address was his or that he had sent emails using that address.

In August, the Jefferson City Police Department arrested Groner and he was charged with first-degree terroristic threatening.

According to KRCG, Groner's Facebook bio had said: "Your Next Mass Shooter. Columbine won't have s*** on me."

The News Tribune reported that he later told investigators that he had intended others to see his Facebook statement. He also allegedly claimed to have studied the infamous Columbine shooting.

"The Columbine shooters were lame because they only killed 12 people. I could do better and kill more than 12," he told investigators, according to the newspaper.

This April marked the 20th anniversary of the shooting at Columbine High School in Colorado in 1999. Two teenage students went on a shooting spree, murdering 12 students and a teacher before taking their own lives.

After his arrest in August, Groner posted a $200 bond in October and was released on his own recognizance, the News Tribune reported. But his bond was revoked on Friday and he was ordered to be held without bond. He is due to appear in court over the first charge in December.

Newsweek has contacted the Jefferson City Police Department and Bank of America for comment.

bank of America
Stock photo. A Missouri man has been charged after authorities said he tried to open a bank account using the email address "TheNextMassShooter@gmail.com" Getty Images

Uncommon Knowledge

Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.

Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.

About the writer


Khaleda Rahman is Newsweek's Senior News Reporter based in London, UK. Her focus is reporting on abortion rights, race, education, ... Read more

To read how Newsweek uses AI as a newsroom tool, Click here.
Newsweek cover
  • Newsweek magazine delivered to your door
  • Newsweek Voices: Diverse audio opinions
  • Enjoy ad-free browsing on Newsweek.com
  • Comment on articles
  • Newsweek app updates on-the-go
Newsweek cover
  • Newsweek Voices: Diverse audio opinions
  • Enjoy ad-free browsing on Newsweek.com
  • Comment on articles
  • Newsweek app updates on-the-go