Violent Threats Against Officials Surge Nationwide
Authorities are stepping up investigations into rising threats against election officials and government workers. While verbal harassment was once the norm, it has now escalated into shootings and bombings.
Across the nation, election-related threats are growing more severe. For instance, a Philadelphia man threatened to “skin” a state party official. Meanwhile, an Alabama man vowed to execute election workers in Arizona.
Adding to the urgency, recent attacks include an Arizona man shooting at a Democratic campaign office. Similarly, a California man is facing charges for bombing a courthouse.
Highlighting the gravity of the situation, Attorney General Merrick Garland declared, “Threatening election workers will bring serious consequences.” He underscored the importance of protecting public servants from intimidation.
Notable Cases Highlight Escalating Violence
In Tempe, Arizona, Jeffrey Michael Kelly, 60, is facing charges for three shootings at a Democratic Party office. As part of the investigation, FBI agents seized over 120 firearms from his home.
A separate incident in Santa Barbara, California, involved Nathaniel James McGuire, 20, who was indicted for bombing a courthouse, injuring five people. Upon his arrest, authorities discovered a shotgun, rifle, and explosives in his vehicle.
To address the growing danger, the federal election threats task force, led by Attorney General Garland, has taken action in several other cases.
For example, in Colorado, Teak Brockbank, 45, pleaded guilty to threatening election officials, a judge, and federal agents. His threats included violent language directed at a state election official.
Meanwhile, in Alabama, Brian Jerry Ogstad, 60, received a 30-month prison sentence for making threats against election workers in Arizona during the 2022 primary elections.
Florida has also seen alarming cases. Richard Glenn Kantwill, 61, is facing multiple charges for sending over 100 racist and violent threats to public figures.
Another shocking case occurred in Pennsylvania, where John Pollard, 62, was charged with threatening to “skin” a Pennsylvania state party representative.
To reinforce the message, Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco stated, “Election officials must be free from intimidation to perform their essential work.” Echoing this stance, FBI Director Christopher Wray described the threats to election workers as “incomprehensible and unacceptable.”
