Topline
A man in Maryland was arrested on charges he threatened to kidnap and kill Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden and his running mate Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.), according to a criminal complaint filed Wednesday, a day after Democratic voters in multiple states reported they received threatening emails telling them to vote for President Trump “or else” and two weeks after federal law enforcement authorities broke up an alleged plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden and running mate Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.), arrive at … [+] their first joint press conference on August 12 in Wilmington, Delaware.
AFP via Getty Images
Key Facts
On October 4, the suspect, identified as James Dale Reed, approached a house in Frederick, Maryland, that had Biden-Harris campaign signs in the yard and left a handwritten note with violent threats against the candidates and their supporters, according to the criminal complaint.
The complaint did not say Reed had taken any steps toward carrying out the threat, and noted that he had previously threatened someone under Secret Service protection once in 2014.
Investigators identified the person depicted in a Ring video, who they believe to be Reed, through facial recognition software, interviews and tips.
Reed denied writing the letter on October 13 but admitted to it two days later after more interviews, fingerprinting and handwriting analysis.
Reed was arrested on October 15 after admitting to writing the letter because he was upset about the political climate; if convicted, he faces up to five years in prison.
The letter said Biden and Harris would be captured, assaulted and killed on live television.
Crucial Quote
“This is a warning to anyone reading this letter if you are a Biden/Harris supporter you will be targeted. We have a list of homes and addresses by your election signs. We are the ones with those scary guns, we are the ones your children have nightmares about, The Boogeymen coming in the night,” the letter read.
Key Background
There are widespread security concerns regarding the contentious election, leading law enforcement officials in multiple states to plan extra precautions. Authorities in Alaska and Florida on Tuesday said they are investigating threatening emails sent to Democratic voters which claimed to be from the far-right extremist group Proud Boys. The emails, which were said to have reached voters in Pennsylvania, Arizona, Florida and Alaska, ordered people to vote for Trump or “we will come after you.” Proud Boys Chairman Enrique Tarrio told the Washington Post the organization was not involved.
Tangent
Trump sidestepped a challenge by the moderator of the first presidential debate, Chris Wallace, to condemn white supremacy, stating “Proud Boys, stand back and stand by. But I’ll tell you what: Somebody’s got to do something about antifa and the left.” It was viewed by some members of the Proud Boys as a directive.