With less than two weeks remaining before the 2024 election, the Justice Department has made significant strides in cracking down on individuals who threaten election workers and officials. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland issued a stern warning, stating that anyone found illegally threatening election workers, officials, or volunteers will face the consequences.
One recent development includes the sentencing of Brian Jerry Ogstad from Alabama to 30 months in prison for making violent threats against election workers in Arizona following the 2022 primary. Additionally, a Florida dentist named Richard Glenn Kantwill has been charged with making threats against an election official, adding to his existing case in Florida where he was previously charged with making threats based on political beliefs.
Another individual, Teak Brockbank from Colorado, pleaded guilty to making threats against election officials in Colorado and Arizona, as well as against federal law enforcement agents and a Colorado state judge over the past few years.
These cases were all handled by the Justice Department's Election Threats Task Force, demonstrating the government's commitment to safeguarding the electoral process. FBI Director Christopher Wray emphasized that these cases highlight the unfortunate reality of the threats faced by election workers and underscore the FBI's dedication to holding those accountable who seek to undermine democracy through such actions.
