The Justice Department has brought federal charges against a Washington state man who allegedly made multiple threats against members of Congress, using antisemitic slurs and saying he would “murder” lawmakers.
In announcing the charges, the department said Mark Leonetti, 48, left “more than 400 voicemails for members of Congress, several of which used slurs and were threatening” over the past two years despite warnings from law enforcement. Leonetti faces seven charges for interstate threats he allegedly made against multiple senators and representatives over the past several months. Officials said Leonetti was arrested Wednesday. No lawyer is listed for him in court filings.
According to the criminal complaint, a county behavioral health team in Oregon, where Leonetti previously resided, told law enforcement that Leonetti is a paranoid schizophrenic. Long and rambling voicemail transcripts, filled with violent and racist imagery, are included in the complaint filed this week.
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