Man Gets 4 Years Probation for Threatening Ex-Speaker McCarthy
Montana Man Avoids Prison, Sentenced to Probation for Threats Against McCarthy
A Montana man, Richard Rogers, 45, of Billings, was sentenced to four years of probation on Wednesday for threatening to assault former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. Rogers made the threats after becoming upset with the government for not shooting down a Chinese spy balloon that floated over his hometown.
Rogers’ Conviction
Rogers was convicted by a federal jury last year on charges of threatening a member of Congress and making harassing phone calls to the FBI and congressional staff. He made over 100 calls to the Republican speaker’s office, making vulgar and obscene comments and berating officials during the calls.
Prosecutors’ Request
Prosecutors urged Judge Susan Watters to sentence Rogers to two years in prison, citing the need for a “strong deterrent message” that threats against public officials are not protected by the First Amendment.
Judge’s Ruling
However, Watters noted that Rogers did not act on his threats and compared his case to some perpetrators of the January 6, 2021, assault on the U.S. Capitol by supporters of President Donald Trump, who received lighter sentences despite their more egregious crimes. Watters stated, “I don’t think you would have ever intended to carry out the threat. There will be sufficient monitoring that this kind of behavior won’t repeat itself.”
Defense Attorney’s Arguments
Defense attorney Daniel Ball referenced the attack on the Capitol, saying, “The actions of some of these individuals may have been violent and egregious. Yet, they were pardoned. Richard’s conduct, as determined by the jury, occurred in Montana. There was no imminent risk to any person. There was no imminent threat.”
Rogers’ Statement
Rogers, who said he supports Trump, stated, “My actions were a form of performative shock jock. That’s the style of protest. It was never intended to cause harm.”
Appeal and Conditions of Release
Rogers pledged to appeal, and as he left the courtroom, he told an Associated Press reporter that he would not comply with the conditions of his release, which included not smoking marijuana while under supervision.
Threats Against Public Officials on the Rise
The threat against McCarthy was one of over 8,000 threats to lawmakers investigated by the U.S. Capitol Police in 2023. Threats against public officials in the U.S. have risen sharply in recent years, including against members of Congress, their spouses, election workers, and local officials.
Conclusion
The case highlights the growing concern over threats against public officials and the importance of holding perpetrators accountable. While Rogers did not act on his threats, his behavior still caused harm and disruption, and his sentence serves as a reminder of the consequences of such actions.
FAQs
* What was the nature of the threat made by Richard Rogers?
+ Rogers threatened to assault former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy.
* What was the outcome of the trial?
+ Rogers was convicted by a federal jury and sentenced to four years of probation.
* What was the defense’s argument?
+ The defense argued that Rogers’ conduct was a form of “performative shock jock” and that he did not intend to cause harm.
* What is the current state of threats against public officials in the U.S.?
+ Threats against public officials have risen sharply in recent years, with over 8,000 threats to lawmakers investigated by the U.S. Capitol Police in 2023.
