Penn Yan Man Arrested for Allegedly Calling for “Violent Overthrow” of Governments

A multiple-agency investigation that included the FBI has resulted in a Penn Yan man being charged with felony criminal anarchy.

The investigation into Tyler Newkirk began after he allegedly composed and disseminated written materials calling for the violent overthrow of the Local, State, and Federal Governments. The 33-year-old also allegedly called several U.S. Military installations and threatened service members. These threats ranged from personal threats to military members and their families, as well as threats to topple military installations. Newkirk also took to social media where he posted messages calling for attacks on military personnel, local law enforcement, government officials, and banks. He also allegedly called for the public beheading of government and police officials who did not go along with his plans. Newkirk claimed his goal was to topple our existing government and replace it with a new system. There is no evidence that Newkirk had the means to carry out any large-scale attack or that he worked with anyone else on these plans.

Newkirk was taken into custody at a motel in Montour Falls and after being processed he was transported to a medical facility for a mental health evaluation and possible treatment.

The Penn Yan Police Department worked with the FBI, NYSP, the United States Army, social media companies, Geneva Police Department, Webster Police Department, and the Schuyler County Sheriff’s Office on this investigation.

The department would like to remind residents to be aware of suspicious activity and to report it to their local law enforcement.

Penn Yan Police Chief Thomas Dunham stated, “we are all responsible for our community’s safety, and working together allows us to quickly and effectively address issues as they come up.”

Law enforcement was originally notified of Newkirk’s suspicious online activity by a concerned community member.