Man accused of making online video threat against Pittsburgh police turns self in

PITTSBURGH — After searching for nearly a month, one of the men accused of making an online rap video that threatened Pittsburgh police turned himself in.

Channel 11 News was there Tuesday night as Rashee Beasley walked into city court with his mother and aunt.

The threatening video surfaced on YouTube last month. In it, police said two men threaten to kill officers and also praised Richard Poplawski. Poplawski killed three Pittsburgh police officers in April of 2009. He is currently on death row.

Beasley's lawyer said he turned himself in because he wants to clear his name.

"We have not seen a criminal complaint. We understand there is a warrant for his arrest. I believe it to be an intimidation to the witness charge and we are turning him in clear the warrant so we can make our arguments in court. I don't think anyone should have regrets about exercising their First Amendment right to free speech," said attorney Lee Rothman.

Internet threats are considered federal crimes and Beasley could face a charge involving terrorism.

Beasley's aunt said he didn't realize his actions were possibly illegal.

WPXI