Myrtle Beach Man Sentenced 9 Months Threatening NY Reporter

Austin Suman, a Myrtle Beach man, was sentenced to nine months in federal prison for making violent and hate-based threats against a New York reporter and her family, with additional supervised release for three years. The threats, sent via Facebook and email, included plans to kill the reporter and blow up her house, motivated by her past coverage of Suman's 2019 arrest for threatening a roommate with a firearm. During his arrest in November 2024, law enforcement found multiple firearms in Suman's possession. Suman pleaded guilty in April 2025 to threatening interstate communications and expressed remorse in a letter, while his lawyer highlighted his acceptance of responsibility and desire for mental health counseling. Prosecutors noted the threats contained racial and gender-based slurs targeting the female journalist. Two other charges against Suman were dismissed as part of the sentencing.