A federal task force on election threats has brought 20 criminal cases since 2021.
U.S. Attorney Gary Restaino of Arizona, seen here at a Justice Department news conference in 2023, said Arizona is a hot spot for election-related threats. | Jose Luis Magana/APJust as another election season gets into full swing, the Justice Department is vowing not to relent in its crackdown on a wave of threats unleashed against voting administrators and other public officials over the past two election cycles.
“Death threats are not debate. Death threats do not contribute to the marketplace of ideas. Death threats are not First Amendment protected speech,” DOJ official John Keller told reporters at a press conference in Phoenix. “Death threats and any threats of violence are condemnable criminal acts, and they will be met with the full force of the Department of Justice.”
“You have a few short months to see yourself behind bars, or we will see you to the grave. You are a traitor to this nation,” Russell said in one voicemail message for Hobbs, a Democrat who was elected governor in November 2022. Even as officials touted their efforts Monday, Keller acknowledged that “the vast majority” of the disturbing and intimidating messages reported to the Justice Department can’t be prosecuted because they don’t appear to meet the Supreme Court’s standards for a so-called “true threat.”
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Utah Department of Corrections discriminated against transgender inmate, Justice Department rulesAfter 3 decades spent in the sunny (and humid) South Florida media world, Jeff has traveled to across the country to partake in the delights of The Beehive State.
Read more »
Justice Department warns Lexington to end ‘two-tiered system of justice’Lexington must end its 'two-tiered' system of justice, Justice Department official and U.S. attorney said.
Read more »
Local groups call on Justice Department to investigate APD's use of excessive forceThe groups pointed to police officers' use of 'less lethal' ammunition during the 2020 racial justice protests.
Read more »
Justice Department finds conditions at 3 Mississippi prisons violate the ConstitutionThe South Mississippi Correctional Institution in Leakesville in one of three Mississippi Prison accused by the US Department of Justice of “routinely violating
Read more »
Former Justice Department Official to Testify on Biden's Handling of Classified DocumentsFormer Justice Department official John Hur is set to testify on Capitol Hill regarding President Biden's handling of classified documents. Hur's report criticized Biden's memory and age, leading to age-based criticism from Republicans. The media has focused on Hur's comments in their coverage.
Read more »
Utah prison discriminated against transgender inmate, U.S. Justice Department saysThe U.S. Justice Department announced Tuesday the Utah Department of Corrections discriminated against a transgender inmate by not giving her proper hormonal treatment.
Read more »