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FBI Arrest of Alabama Fortnite Player Over Voice-Chat Threats
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FBI Arrest of Alabama Fortnite Player Over Voice-Chat Threats
Epic Games reported that 29-year-old Edward Frith of Alabama, who played under the username “WagesOfNinja,” made multiple violent statements during a Fortnite voice-chat session. The remarks included a desire to “literally murder somebody,” thoughts of killing “every day,” and a threat to shoot FBI agents if they arrived at his door. After Epic submitted the audio and transcript to the FBI’s National Threat Operations Section (NTOS) Exigent Threat Research and Analysis Crisis Team (EXTRACT), investigators identified Frith and obtained an arrest warrant. He was taken into custody following an indictment on September 23 for violating Interstate Threatening Communications and entered a plea of not guilty on September 24.
Epic Games’ Voice Reporting System
Epic introduced a voluntary voice-reporting feature in November 2023. When enabled, the system captures the most recent five minutes of voice chat, which players can submit anonymously. The recorded clip is then sent to Epic’s moderation team; only after a report is filed does Epic receive the audio. The company uses autonomous detection for self-harm, child endangerment, and real-world violence, and it can forward serious evidence to law-enforcement agencies, as it did in this case.
Legal Proceedings and Charges
The federal affidavit notes that Epic’s emergency disclosure to the FBI occurred on September 20. Investigators used account data and a recording that showed the threats, confirming the statements matched the audio. The indictment on September 23 charged Frith with “Threatening Interstate Communications.” A detention order scheduled for September 29 placed him in custody pending a trial expected in December. Earlygame reported that the Fortnite account had been accessed more than 1,700 times from IP addresses located in Alabama.
Official Responses
Epic stated that the voice-reporting system is designed to address harassment, bullying, and violations of Fortnite’s Community Rules, but that “serious threats” may be escalated to federal authorities.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Let's see if the FBI is going to show up at my door because I'll shoot them motherf****rs too,” — Edward Frith — Edward Frith