An Alabama man pleaded guilty today to sending threatening messages to election workers with Maricopa County Elections in Phoenix.
“The functioning of our democracy requires that our country’s public servants be able to do their jobs without fearing for their lives,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “We have no tolerance for this kind of heinous criminal conduct and the danger it poses to people’s safety and to our democratic process. Threats and acts of violence targeting those who serve the public will be met with the full force of the United States Justice Department.”
“Violent threats to election workers are threats to our democracy and democratic process. We cannot allow threats of violence against public servants to become normalized,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “The FBI takes seriously all threats of violence against public officials and will continue to pursue threats and acts of violence aimed at election workers."
“Brian Ogstad repeatedly threatened to kill Maricopa County election workers and officials,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “As today’s guilty plea demonstrates, the Department is committed to holding accountable those who target election workers and officials with threats of violence. I am especially grateful to the Election Threats Task Force, which continues to spearhead the Department’s efforts to ensure that public servants who administer our elections can do their jobs free from threats and intimidation.”
“This guilty plea should send a message to anyone who tries to take the rule of law into their own hands through vigilante justice,” said U.S. Attorney Gary M. Restaino for the District of Arizona. “But it also showcases the resilience of public servants. Thanks to the election professionals in Maricopa County who have worked courageously to maintain free and fair elections in spite of the threats received.”
According to court documents, on Aug. 2, 2022, Arizona held primary elections for federal and state officeholders, including a gubernatorial primary election that received nationwide media coverage. From the day of the election through Aug. 4, 2022, Brian Jerry Ogstad, 60, of Cullman, sent multiple threatening direct messages via Instagram social media account maintained by Maricopa County Elections.
For instance, on or about Aug. 3, 2022, Ogstad stated: (1) “You did it! Now you are [expletive]. Dead. You will all be executed for your crimes”; (2) “[expletive] you! You are caught! They have it all. You [expletive] are dead”; (3) “You are lying, cheating [expletive] . . . you better not come in my church, my business or send your kids to my school. You are [expletive] stupid if you think your lives are safe”; and (4) “You [expletive] are so dead.” On or about Aug. 4, 2022, Ogstad also stated: “[Y]ou people are so ducking [sic] stupid. Everyone knows you are lots [sic], cheats, frauds and in doing so in relation to elections have committed treason. You will all be executed."
Ogstad pleaded guilty to one count of making a threatening interstate communication. He is scheduled for sentencing on Oct. 21 and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison.
The FBI Phoenix Field Office is investigating the case with substantial assistance from the FBI Birmingham Field Office.
Trial Attorney Tanya Senanayake from National Security Division's Counterterrorism Section along with Assistant U.S Attorney Mary Sue Feldmeier for District Arizona prosecute this case.
This case is part Justice Department's Election Threats Task Force announced by Attorney General Merrick B Garland launched Deputy Lisa Monaco June 2021 task force has led department's efforts address threats violence against election workers ensure all whether elected appointed volunteer able do jobs free from intimidation task force engages community state local law enforcement assess allegations reports investigated prosecuted matters appropriate partnership field offices attorneys’ offices throughout country continuing work supporting nationwide carry critical begun
Task force led Criminal Division Public Integrity Section includes several other entities within Justice Department including Computer Crime Intellectual Property Section Civil Rights Division National Security Division FBI well key interagency partners such Homeland Security Postal Inspection Service more information regarding combat read memo
To report suspected threats violent acts contact local request speak Election Crimes Coordinator Contact information every found www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/ may also call file online complaint www.tips.fbi.gov Complaints submitted reviewed referred investigation response accordingly If someone imminent danger risk harm contact immediately
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