Man Pleads Guilty to Anti-Semitic Death Threats, Loaded Firearm, and Kill Lists
Photo: Nicholas Wesley Rose
SANTA ANA – Nicholas Wesley Rose (28) of Irvine pleaded guilty to targeting three Orange County Houses of worship because of their connection to the Jewish community. The result: one felony count of carrying a loaded firearm not registered to him and three misdemeanor counts of violation of civil rights in connection with threats made.
As Rose visited churches and synagogues in April 2018 while researching how to get away with murder, his parents became alarmed at his behavior. They contacted Orange County PD with their concerns.
A statement that he intended to “get a gun and kill some Jews” launched the search of Rose’s Irvine apartment. “Police found anti-Jewish literature and a journal full of white supremacist and anti-Jewish writings by Rose,” said the DA, “including a list of steps titled ‘Killing my first Jew’ and a ‘Kill List.’ The search also revealed note cards referencing two of the churches he visited, including a list of negative characteristics of each church, specifically in regards to their sympathies to Jewish people.”
Investigators’ discovery also produced “extensive Internet searches of white supremacy ideology, anti-Semitism and the effective range of a silenced .22 long range rifle.” A search of the car revealed “hundreds of rounds of .22 caliber ammunition, a shovel, and a sleeping bag.”
Sr. Deputy District Attorney Brett Brian of the Special Prosecutions Unit prosecuted Case # 18F00571. A felony complaint listed papers that mention St. Paul’s Greek Orthodox Church in Irvine, St. Barbara Russian Orthodox Church in Lake Forest, and the Beth Jacob Congregation in Irvine.
As a result, Rose was sentenced on May 31st to 825 days in OC Jail, one year in a residential mental health treatment program, and five years formal probation with GPS monitoring. He must stay 500 yards away from his victims and fully cooperate with the OC Probation Dept. in regards to additional mental health treatment.
“There is no place for hate,” said Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer. “He is a danger to society and every resident of Orange County should be aware of the threat he poses.”
St. Paul’s Greek Orthodox Church of Irvine posted on their website: “Love one another,” John 13:34.
