A Colorado man will make his initial appearance at the federal courthouse in Durango, Colorado, today on federal charges in connection with a series of online threats he made toward election officials in Colorado and Arizona, a Colorado state judge, and federal law enforcement agents.
Teak Brockbank, 45, of Cortez, was arrested on Friday in Cortez.
“We allege that the defendant made detailed death threats against election officials, judges, and law enforcement officers,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “Violent threats against public servants are a danger to our democracy, and the arrest and charges announced today make clear that the Justice Department will see to it that perpetrators answer for their actions.”
“As alleged, Teak Brockbank threatened the lives of multiple public servants on social media. Among other threats, he allegedly claimed that it was ‘time’ to put two state election officials to death and that he was obligated to ‘put a bullet’ in the head of a Colorado state judge,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Public servants must be able to do their jobs without fear. The Criminal Division will continue to aggressively investigate and prosecute those who target public officials with threats of violence.”
According to court documents, between September 2021 and August 2022, Brockbank allegedly used two social media accounts to post messages threatening Colorado and Arizona election officials. For example, on Aug. 4, 2022, Brockbank allegedly posted a message referring to separate election officials in Arizona and Colorado: “Once those people start getting put to death then the rest will melt like snowflakes and turn on each other... This is the only way. So those of us that have the stomach for what has to be done should prepare our minds for what we all [a]re going to do!!!!!! It is time.”
Brockbank also allegedly posted a message threatening a Colorado state judge on Oct. 2, 2021: “I could pick up my rifle and I could go put a bullet in this Mans head and send him to explain himself to our Creator right now. I would be Justified!!! Not only justified but obligated by those in my family who fought and died for the freedom in this country... What can I do other than kill this man my self?”
Finally, Brockbank allegedly threatened federal law enforcement on July 20, 2022: “ATF CIA FBI show up to my house I am shooting them peace’s of s*** first No Warning!! Then I will call the sheriff!!! With everything that these piece of shit agencies have done I am completely justified to just start dropping them as soon as they step on my property! justified.”
Brockbank is charged with transmitting interstate threats. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison.
The FBI Denver Field Office is investigating the case.
Trial Attorney Jonathan E. Jacobson of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Cyrus Y. Chung for the District of Colorado are prosecuting the case.
This case is part of the Justice Department’s Election Threats Task Force. Announced by Attorney General Merrick B. Garland and launched by Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco in June 2021, the task force has led the Department’s efforts to address threats of violence against election workers and ensure that all election workers — whether elected, appointed or volunteer — are able to do their jobs free from threats and intimidation. The task force engages with the election community and state and local law enforcement to assess allegations and reports of threats against election workers and has investigated these matters where appropriate in partnership with FBI Field Offices and U.S. Attorneys’ Offices throughout the country.
Under Deputy Attorney General Monaco's leadership, the Task Force is led by the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and includes several other entities within the Justice Department such as Computer Crime & Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS), Civil Rights Division (CRT), National Security Division (NSD), Federal Bureau Of Investigation (FBI), along with interagency partners including DHS (Department Of Homeland Security) & USPIS (United States Postal Inspection Service).
To report suspected threats or violent acts contact your local FBI office requesting Election Crimes Coordinator or visit www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/. You may also call FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324) or file an online complaint at www.tips.fbi.gov reviewed by task force referred accordingly; In imminent danger contact emergency services immediately via dialing 911/local police department directly.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation; All defendants presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt court-of-law.