A man in Las Vegas, Spencer Gear, is facing serious charges for threatening to harm and kill government officials in multiple states, including a New York judge and prosecutor involved in former President Donald Trump’s criminal hush money trial. Gear, 32, pleaded not guilty to 22 felony charges related to threatening a federal official and transmitting threats.
Rebecca Levy, Gear’s federal public defender, has not commented on the case. The indictment against Gear lists 11 alleged victims, including individuals in New York, New Jersey, and Montana. One phone call from Nevada to New York specifically threatened to kill the Manhattan District Attorney and the New York Judge.
The judge presiding over Gear’s case expressed concern over the language used in the threats, especially in a recorded telephone message directed at a judge and district attorney. Despite Gear’s limited criminal history, the judge emphasized the lack of respect for the judicial system displayed by the defendant.
The threats against government officials, including the prosecutor and judge in Trump’s hush money trial, have been escalating. The Manhattan District Attorney’s office reported numerous threats against staff and family members, including bomb threats and threatening messages. Similarly, the judge involved in the case has received dozens of death threats.
The increase in threats coincided with Trump’s false online statements and calls for protests to “take our nation back.” The tense environment led to a letter containing white powder with a threatening note directed at the Manhattan District Attorney. Threats against government officials have become more prevalent, with individuals resorting to extreme measures to express their discontent.
In another incident, a 26-year-old man from New York was charged with sending threatening messages to the New York state Attorney General and the judge in Trump’s civil fraud case. The threats of violence and harm have become a disturbing trend in response to legal proceedings involving high-profile individuals.
The situation escalated to the point where FBI agents had to intervene and fatally shoot an armed man in Utah suspected of making threats against several government officials, including the Manhattan District Attorney and President Joe Biden. The individual’s family described him as a gun enthusiast who was concerned about government corruption.
The threats against government officials highlight the challenges faced by those involved in high-profile cases and the need for enhanced security measures to ensure their safety. The disturbing trend of threats and violence in response to legal proceedings underscores the importance of upholding the rule of law and protecting those who serve the public interest.
