The Justice Department announced on Monday that federal prosecutors have charged a 45-year-old Colorado man with threatening to kill election officials and a local judge. The man, Teak Brockbank, allegedly posted violent messages targeting officials in Colorado and Arizona, accusing them of treason and calling for their execution.
Brockbank has been charged with transmitting interstate threats, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison. He is expected to make his initial appearance in federal court on Monday.
Attorney General Merrick Garland expressed concerns about the increasing threats against public officials, particularly election officials and members of the judiciary. Garland stated that violent threats against public servants are a danger to democracy and that the Justice Department will ensure perpetrators are held accountable.
In social media posts highlighted by prosecutors, Brockbank threatened violence against local Colorado officials and law enforcement officers. He allegedly made detailed death threats and encouraged others to take matters into their own hands.
The threats continued into late 2023, with Brockbank allegedly texting his stepfather about judges in Colorado who had ruled against former President Donald Trump. Investigators were also concerned about Brockbank's history of illegally possessing firearms.
The Justice Department's actions against Brockbank underscore the seriousness with which threats against public officials are taken and the commitment to upholding the rule of law.
