SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- A 28-year-old Syracuse man is facing federal charges for allegedly threatening to kill U.S. Rep. John Katko over the "net neutrality" issue, according to a complaint filed Monday in federal court.

The United States Attorney's Office said Patrick Angelo called Katko's office on Oct. 19 and threatened him. His staff discovered the voicemail on Oct. 23.

According to the complaint, Angelo left the following message:

"Listen Mr. Katko, if you support net neutrality, I will support you. But if you don't support net neutrality, I will find you and your family and I will kill... you ... all. Do you understand? I will literally find all... of ... you and your progeny and t- just wipe you from the face of the earth. Net neutrality is more important than the defense of the United States. Net neutrality is more important than free speech. Net neutrality is more important than health care. Net neutrality is literally the basis of the new society. That even if you don't understand, how important it is, net neutrality is literally the basis of the new ... free... society. So if you don't support it, I am will to lay down my li-"

The recording cut off mid-word.

FBI agents found a family member of Angelo's and arranged a meeting with him Nov. 1 at a McDonald's in Syracuse, agents wrote in the complaint. Angelo would only meet them at a "public location," agents wrote.

He called agents with the same phone number used to make the threat, agents said.

Angelo initially denied making the phone call but then told the agents that he was passionate about "net neutrality," an issue being debated in Congress now that would allow certain Internet service providers to speed up or slow down access to sites across the web.

Eventually, Angelo told investigators that he "made a call" but he wasn't sure to whose office.

"I used strong language, probably something that could be construed as a threat..." Angelo told agents, according to the complaint. "I'm sure they didn't appreciate it."

Angelo is facing charges including making a threat in interstate and foreign commerce and threatening to kill a U.S. Congressman engaged in the performance of his official duties.

The charges carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both, the U.S. Attorney's Office said.

In a statement, Katko thanked federal law enforcement for quickly addressing Angelo's alleged threat. He received additional security in response to the threat, according to the office.

"All threats are reported to the U.S. Capitol Police in order to ensure the safety of Rep. Katko, his family, and staff," spokeswoman Erin O'Connor said. "The Congressman and his family appreciate the diligent work of our local, state and federal law enforcement in monitoring these threats and taking appropriate action."

Angelo is being held pending a detention hearing on Dec. 1.