A man from Nevada was arrested after threatening several government officials, including a New York judge and the prosecutor involved in former President Donald Trump’s hush money trial, according to a recent indictment in Las Vegas.
Spencer Gear, 32, is accused of making phone calls and sending emails to eight federal officials and three state workers, threatening to harm and kill them.
The officials were mentioned in the indictment only by their initials.
In one phone call, Gear allegedly threatened to kill Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg and Judge Juan Merchan.
He pleaded not guilty to all 22 charges against him, which include threatening a federal official and sending threatening communications.
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland stated that public servants should be able to do their jobs without fearing for their lives and that the Justice Department will not tolerate threats of violence against them.
Gear is in custody, and his trial is set to start on September 24. If convicted, he could face a long prison sentence.
A spokesperson for Bragg declined to comment, and a representative for the New York State Unified Court System was unavailable for comment.
Robert Wells, an FBI official, emphasized that the FBI will not tolerate threats against government officials and will work with partners to investigate and hold accountable those who create a climate of fear.