A Texas man faces felony terrorism charges after threatening to bomb a conservative women’s leadership conference and kill its keynote speaker, according to arrest warrants obtained by local authorities.
Arrest Following Explicit Online Threats
Jacob Wenske was arrested Thursday morning by San Antonio Police Department officers on two third-degree felony charges of making terroristic threats that caused public fear of serious bodily injury. The charges stem from threatening posts and emails directed at Turning Point USA’s Women’s Leadership Summit, scheduled for June 5-7 at the San Antonio Marriott Rivercenter. The summit expects more than 2,500 attendees.
According to charging documents reviewed by KSAT, Wenske posted online responses to promotional materials for the event in April. In one reply, Wenske wrote he knew exactly where to bomb. A follow-up post in the same thread referenced acting as a valet for an escort service. An email traced to an account registered under Wenske’s name explicitly threatened death to summit CEO Erika Kirk and every speaker, promising bombings at all future Turning Point events.
Target Leading Organization After Personal Tragedy
Erika Kirk took leadership of Turning Point USA following the murder of her husband. She is scheduled as a featured speaker at the upcoming summit. The organization released a statement confirming it takes all threats seriously and works closely with law enforcement at federal and local levels. The group praised the rapid response by San Antonio Police and the FBI in apprehending the suspect.
Turning Point USA emphasized that enhanced, multi-layered security measures are standard at all events, implemented through both private security contractors and local police departments. The organization stated it refuses to allow threats to silence its mission or cancel planned gatherings.
Security Concerns For Conservative Events
The arrest highlights ongoing security challenges facing conservative organizations hosting large public gatherings. Third-degree felony terroristic threat charges in Texas carry potential sentences of two to ten years in prison and fines up to ten thousand dollars. Federal authorities may pursue additional charges given the interstate nature of the threats and use of electronic communications to threaten violence.
The Women’s Leadership Summit will proceed as scheduled at the downtown San Antonio venue on the River Walk. Organizers confirmed no changes to the event program despite the threats. Kirk and other speakers plan to address attendees on topics including leadership development, family values, and civic engagement for conservative women.