Nevada Man Arrested for Threatening Government Officials
Spencer Gear, a 32-year-old man from Nevada, has been arrested for allegedly threatening several government officials, including the judge who oversaw former President Donald Trump’s criminal hush money trial and the prosecutor who brought the case. The threats were made through phone calls and emails to federal officials and state employees, with references made to the officials by their initials.
Gear pleaded not guilty to all 22 counts contained in the indictment, which charged him with threatening a federal official and transmitting threatening communications. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland emphasized that public servants must be able to do their jobs without fearing for their lives, and that the Justice Department will not tolerate acts of violence targeting government officials.
The trial for Gear is scheduled to begin on Sept. 24, and if convicted, he could face decades in prison. Both the Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg and Judge Juan Merchan were among the officials targeted by Gear. The FBI National Security Branch emphasized that they will not tolerate individuals who threaten government officials and create a climate of fear, and will work with partners to investigate and hold accountable those who threaten or interfere with government officials.
Both Bragg’s office and the New York State Unified Court System declined to comment on the matter. The arrest of Gear underscores the seriousness of threats against government officials and the commitment to ensuring the safety of those who serve the public.
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