Georgia man indicted for alleged threatening voicemails against GOP senators

A Georgia man found himself in serious legal trouble after being indicted by a federal grand jury for allegedly making threats of sexual violence against two Republican senators and their family members. Robert Davis Forney, a 25-year-old from Duluth, Georgia, was arraigned before a U.S. magistrate judge on federal charges of communicating threats in interstate commerce. The indictment was handed down by a federal grand jury in the Northern District of Georgia on June 10.

According to court documents, Forney called the office of Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, twice on January 9 and left voicemails threatening sexual violence against Cruz and his family. The following day, he allegedly made a similar threatening call to the office of Sen. Deb Fischer, R-Neb. The specific details of the threats have not been made public.

Threats against public figures, including lawmakers, are unfortunately not uncommon. In response to the threats, a spokesperson for Sen. Fischer stated that such incidents are reported to the U.S. Capitol Police, who take appropriate action. The spokesperson also mentioned that Sen. Fischer continues to carry out her duties on behalf of Nebraskans despite the threats.

U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg condemned the threats, stating that such actions are acts of violence that undermine the country’s democracy. He emphasized that political disagreements should never lead to violent attacks against elected officials.

The FBI is actively investigating the threats made against the senators in January. Special Agent In Charge Paul Brown of FBI Atlanta classified the actions as a serious federal crime. Brown stressed that there is no place for political violence or threats in the United States and that those who engage in such behavior will be arrested and charged accordingly.

The case is being investigated by the FBI and the U.S. Capitol Police as part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative aimed at protecting communities from violent crime perpetrators. Sen. Cruz’s office has not yet responded to requests for comment on the matter.

In conclusion, threatening elected officials and their families is a severe offense that goes against the principles of democracy. The legal system is taking these threats seriously, and those responsible will face the consequences of their actions. It is crucial to maintain respectful discourse and address differences of opinion without resorting to violence or threats.