Arthur Ray Hanson II, from Alabama, was sentenced to 21 months in federal prison for leaving threatening voicemails against Georgia officials investigating Donald Trump for election crimes. Hanson referred to Trump as “my president” and warned the officials of violence if they continued investigating Trump. The threats were made just before Trump and 18 others were indicted by a Georgia grand jury. Federal prosecutors stated that Hanson’s threats led to increased security for the officials and their families. This incident is part of a larger trend, with federal prosecutions of threats against public officials on the rise.
Hanson used racist language and explicit threats against the officials, who are Black, in the voicemails. His lawyers argued that he was remorseful and under the influence of alcohol at the time of the threats. However, federal prosecutors pointed out Hanson’s history of making threats as far back as 2018 and highlighted a previous conviction for threatening harm to a person and their job.
The sentencing judge noted the need for general deterrence in these polarized times, ensuring that serious punishment, including prison time, is given to those who threaten public officials. The threats against officials involved in prosecuting or investigating politicians, especially cases related to Trump, have been escalating nationwide. The research suggests that there is a growing tolerance for violence and extremism towards civic leaders, calling for increased security measures to protect these individuals.
Photo credit
www.usatoday.com