Man Claiming To Be Jesus Attacks Authorities, Had 'To Kill' List In Car: Police

KEY POINTS

Federal authorities said Skulstad allegedly drove into an MTA vehicle with an employee inside
Skulstad reportedly claimed he was Jesus before throwing his body into the police car of a responding officer
A list entitled "List - To Kill" was found inside Skulstad's vehicle, which contained names of public officials

Federal authorities have arrested a man who allegedly rammed his car into a Metropolitan Transportation Authority vehicle in Ossining, New York, and then threw himself against a responding police car after threatening an officer and claiming to be Jesus.

Nicholas Skulstad, 33, of Dobbs Ferry, was charged with destruction of a motor vehicle employed in interstate commerce, a statement released by the Department of Justice on Thursday said.

Citing the complaint filed in White Plains federal court, the DOJ said Skulstad drove into the MTA vehicle on April 5, causing damage and forcing it off the road. Skulstad then got out of his car, approached the MTA vehicle and banged on the driver-side window until it shattered.

Skulstad then reportedly yelled, "I'm Jesus Christ! You are going to die today! Are you ready to die?" at a responding Ossining Police Department officer and charged at a police car, throwing himself against the driver-side door and yelling threats at the officer behind the wheel.

Police were able to subdue and arrest Skulstad after he resisted. No injuries were reported from the incident.

Authorities found a notebook entitled "List - To Kill" inside Skulstad's vehicle after the arrest, which reportedly listed the names of current and former public officials and public figures.

FBI Assistant Director William Sweeney Jr. was quoted in the statement as saying, "Skulstad’s alleged targeting of an MTA vehicle, and the subsequent actions he took against police officers who arrived on scene, remind us of the threat our public servants face each and every day as they uphold their duty to protect the communities they serve."

He added, "Skulstad no longer poses a threat to society or, more specifically, those he included as targets on his list."

NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea, for his part, said, "Attacks against public servants, as alleged in this federal complaint, endanger not only those who work to maintain public safety, but all of society."

Skulstad faces a maximum of 20 years in prison if convicted.