The U.S. Department of Justice has announced that George Russell Isbell Jr., a 69-year-old resident of San Diego, has been charged with mailing a threatening communication. Isbell was apprehended on October 7 in San Diego.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi commented on the arrest, stating, "Thanks to the incredible teamwork between state, local, and federal law enforcement, this coward hiding behind a keyboard was taken into custody and charged federally for mailing threatening communications." She emphasized the importance of addressing political violence: "We cannot allow this political violence to continue any longer. This arrest will serve as a reminder to many – do not do this, we will find you and bring you to justice."
FBI Director Kash Patel also spoke about the incident: "The FBI and our partners will not tolerate threats of violence like the kind allegedly made by the defendant about a media personality." He assured that efforts would continue to investigate and prosecute those responsible for such conduct.
U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe for the Middle District of Florida highlighted an increase in political threats: "Unfortunately, a rise in political threats has been accompanied by a rise in political violence." He reiterated their commitment to taking all threats seriously and prosecuting offenders.
According to the complaint, Isbell mailed a letter from San Diego around September 18, threatening harm to a media personality based in Tampa, Florida. The letter included references to Mr. Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist who had recently died during an event at a college campus. The letter contained violent language and suggested further harm.
If convicted, Isbell could face up to five years in prison. Sentencing will be determined by a federal district court judge after considering various guidelines and factors.
The investigation is being conducted by multiple agencies including the FBI Tampa Field Office, Tampa Police Department, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Additional support came from FBI San Diego Field Office and local law enforcement agencies in San Diego. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Wheeler III is handling prosecution duties.
It is important to note that criminal complaints are allegations only; defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt in court.
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