Georgia Man Indicted for Allegedly Threatening Senators Ted Cruz and Deb Fischer
A 25-year-old man from Georgia has been arraigned on charges of communicating threats in interstate commerce in connection with threats of sexual violence against two Republican senators, Ted Cruz of Texas and Deb Fischer of Nebraska. According to federal prosecutors, Robert Davis Forney of Duluth, Georgia, left voicemails in January threatening sexual violence against the two senators and also allegedly threatened Cruz’s family.
Forney entered a not guilty plea on Monday, following a federal grand jury indictment last week. The US Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia alleged that Forney’s threats were made in interstate commerce, and he now faces charges for communicating threats.
Spokespeople for Cruz and Fischer did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Monday night. However, US Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg condemned political violence against elected officials in a statement. "Threatening our elected officials and their families is an act of violence that undermines our entire democracy," Hertzberg said. "Political discourse and disagreements never justify resorting to vile attacks against our nation’s leaders."
The FBI and Capitol Police are taking these threats seriously, with FBI Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown stating that there "is no place for political violence or threats of violence in the United States." The agencies are working together to investigate Forney’s threats, as well as a growing trend of political violence against elected officials.
This case comes on the heels of a similar incident in Minnesota, where a man was arrested on Sunday night in connection with the fatal shooting of Democratic state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband. Another Democratic state lawmaker and his wife were also injured in what authorities have called "politically motivated" attacks. According to Capitol Police, the number of threat assessment cases has grown for a second consecutive year, with 9,474 concerning statements and direct threats against members of Congress, their families, and staff members reported last year.
Acting US Capitol Chief Sean Gallagher stated that the Capitol Police work around the clock to investigate thousands of threat cases every year, with the number of threats only seeming to grow. "The men and women of the United States Capitol Police work around the clock to investigate thousands of threat cases every year — a number that only seems to be growing," Gallagher said. "Our Department’s mission to protect the Members of Congress is critical and we will not tolerate any threat to their safety."
The Senate will hold an all-members briefing on Tuesday, focused on security for lawmakers, following the attacks in Minnesota on Saturday. As reported by NBC News, the briefing aims to address the growing concern of threats against elected officials and their families.
In a statement, Hertzberg emphasised that "threatening our elected officials and their families is an act of violence that undermines our entire democracy." The US Attorney’s Office, along with the FBI and Capitol Police, will continue to investigate and prosecute cases involving threats against elected officials.
The arraignment of Robert Davis Forney marks a significant step in addressing the growing trend of political violence against elected officials. As the number of threats continues to rise, law enforcement agencies and lawmakers are working together to ensure the safety of those in public office.
The case against Forney serves as a reminder of the critical role that law enforcement agencies play in protecting elected officials and their families. According to NBC News, Forney’s indictment demonstrates the commitment of federal prosecutors to hold individuals accountable for making threats against public officials.
In response to the growing threat of political violence, lawmakers and law enforcement agencies are taking steps to enhance security measures. As reported by NBC News, the Senate’s all-members briefing on Tuesday will focus on security for lawmakers, highlighting the need for increased vigilance and cooperation between law enforcement agencies and lawmakers.
As the investigation into Forney’s threats continues, NBC News will provide updates on the case and its developments. The news organisation will continue to monitor the situation and provide in-depth coverage of the growing trend of political violence against elected officials.
