The Justice Department's Election Threats Task Force (ETTF) has announced progress in four cases involving threats to election personnel. The cases, which highlight ongoing concerns about the safety of those involved in the electoral process, involve defendants from Colorado, Alabama, Florida, and Pennsylvania.
Teak Brockbank of Cortez, Colorado, has pleaded guilty to threatening a Colorado election official and others. His threats spanned from September 2021 to July 2024 and included violent language directed at election officials and federal law enforcement agents. Acting U.S. Attorney Matt Kirsch for the District of Colorado emphasized the importance of prosecuting threats against elections and officials.
Brian Jerry Ogstad from Cullman, Alabama, was sentenced to 30 months in prison for sending threatening messages to Maricopa County Elections workers during Arizona's primary elections in August 2022. U.S. Attorney Gary Restaino for the District of Arizona stressed the need to protect election workers from intimidation.
Richard Glenn Kantwill of Tampa, Florida, faces charges for allegedly sending a threat to an election official in February 2024. He had previously been charged with making threats based on political commentary in 2019 and 2020. U.S. Attorney Roger Handberg for the Middle District of Florida stated that threats would be taken seriously and prosecuted.
John Pollard from Philadelphia was charged with threatening a representative of a Pennsylvania state political party on September 6. The threats were made as part of his interest in being a poll watcher. U.S. Attorney Eric G. Olshan for the Western District of Pennsylvania condemned such conduct against individuals associated with the electoral process.
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland reiterated that "anyone who illegally threatens an election worker, official, or volunteer will face the consequences." Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco added that these actions demonstrate intolerance for violence aimed at undermining democratic institutions.
FBI Director Christopher Wray expressed concern over the security worries faced by election workers but affirmed the FBI's commitment to holding accountable those responsible for such threats.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri highlighted that these cases reflect efforts to defend democracy and protect election workers through vigorous investigation and prosecution by the ETTF.
The task force was created by Attorney General Garland and launched by Deputy Attorney General Monaco in June 2021 to address violence against election workers nationwide.