A Georgia man, Robert Davis Forney, was arraigned on Monday for allegedly threatening sexual violence against Republican Senators Ted Cruz and Deb Fischer. Prosecutors from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia state that Forney, 25, left voicemails in January containing these threats, including threats directed at Cruz’s family. His arraignment comes after a federal grand jury indicted him just a week prior.
U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg condemned such threats as acts of violence that undermine democracy, asserting that political disagreements should never result in vile attacks on elected officials. Similarly, FBI Atlanta’s Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown emphasized the dangers of political violence and threats, claiming that they have no place in the U.S.
This incident highlights a troubling trend in political violence against elected officials. Recently, a Minnesota man was arrested in connection with a fatal shooting involving Democratic state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, which has been classified as “politically motivated.” U.S. Capitol Police reported a rising number of threats against Congress, with nearly 9,500 concerning statements and direct threats recorded in 2024, an increase from 8,000 in 2023.
In light of the recent violence, the Senate is convening an all-members briefing on Tuesday to discuss security measures for lawmakers. The investigation is ongoing, and the U.S. Capitol Police have been involved, although they did not provide immediate comments about the case. The climate of political threats raises significant concerns about the safety and security of elected officials and their families.
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