Federal documents reveal disturbing social media posts, weapons purchases, and alleged threats tied to Raleigh teen Eric Byrd.
RALEIGH, NC — A disturbing federal case out of Wake County is shedding light on what investigators say could have turned into a deadly situation, after a Raleigh teen was accused of making violent threats, idolizing mass shooters, and preparing for a possible attack.
According to a newly filed federal criminal complaint obtained by The North Carolina Beat, Eric Constantine Byrd, 19, is facing a federal charge for allegedly transmitting threats across state lines using social media between February 9, 2026 through March 6, 2026.
THE POSTS THAT TRIGGERED A FEDERAL INVESTIGATION
Federal agents say the case began after alarming content surfaced on Instagram accounts allegedly linked to Byrd.
Investigators say those accounts included posts targeting Black people, Hispanics, and members of the LGBTQ community, along with repeated references to carrying out violence.
In one post, Byrd allegedly wrote:
“Planning on getting #active on my local yns and edgars… I’m not a p**** I will record it!”
Authorities say the term “#active” is commonly used to reference becoming an active shooter.
In another post, he allegedly stated:
“One day I will livestream myself getting active… probably gonna do it on kick.”
The affidavit outlines a pattern of behavior that investigators say goes beyond threats.
Byrd is accused of openly praising known mass shooters, referring to them as “saints.”
At one point, he allegedly posted about one shooter:
“He was a saint and ahead of his time. His family, friends, and society failed him.”
In private messages, investigators say Byrd went even further, stating:
“Yes they’re cleansing the world that’s full of filth… they literally did God’s work.”
The complaint also details posts promoting white supremacist ideology, including references to Nazi symbols and phrases associated with extremist groups.
According to federal investigators, Byrd allegedly had access to multiple weapons and ammunition.
Authorities say they recovered a Smith & Wesson 9mm handgun from his bedroom. They also discovered he had purchased:
- 1,000 rounds of 9mm ammunition
- An AK-47-style rifle months earlier
Text messages cited in the complaint show Byrd discussing acquiring weapons, including one where he allegedly said:
“Merry Christmas to me AK-47 in this bih.”
In another message, he talked about learning how to “tune up” the weapon.
Investigators also say Byrd mentioned wanting to use a GoPro camera, referencing how past mass shooters have recorded attacks.
CHILLING STATEMENTS TO INVESTIGATORS
One of the most alarming parts of the complaint comes from Byrd’s interaction with law enforcement.
According to the affidavit, Byrd admitted that during a previous incident at home, he might have carried out violence if he had the means.
He told investigators he “probably” would have killed his parents if he had ammunition at the time.
Agents also say Byrd admitted he was trying to locate someone from his high school to “finish things,” later confirming that meant using a firearm.
DISTURBING TEXTS ABOUT VIOLENCE AND DEATH
The federal documents include multiple text messages that investigators say highlight Byrd’s mindset.
In one message, Byrd allegedly wrote:
“I love watching people suffer… I love watching people getting tortured and getting killed.”
In another exchange, he described himself as:
“A complete menace and danger to society.”
He also referenced wanting to die in a violent way, stating:
“I will put a bullet in my head or I get killed by someone else… I would prefer to die in a shootout.”
WHAT HIS FAMILY TOLD THE FBI
When agents visited Byrd’s home in Raleigh, his parents reportedly acknowledged ongoing concerns.
According to the complaint, they told investigators that Byrd had “issues,” was in therapy, had been prescribed medication but was not taking it, and had an obsession with guns. They also described a prior incident in January where police had to be called after Byrd “lost his mind.”
Byrd has been charged with Transmitting a threat in interstate commerce (18 U.S.C. § 875(c)). Authorities say his use of Instagram — a platform that operates across state lines — qualifies the case as federal. He was also taken into custody under an involuntary commitment order due to concerns he could harm himself or others.
Federal investigators ultimately concluded there was probable cause to believe Byrd intended to harm others.
READ FULL AFFIDAVIT BELOW:
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