Colorado Man Charged for Threatening Election Officials

Federal authorities have apprehended a Colorado resident for allegedly issuing online death threats against election officials, a judge, and law enforcement agents. Teak Brockbank, 45, from Cortez, Colorado, faces federal charges of transmitting interstate threats, an offense carrying a potential five-year prison sentence if convicted.

The case underscores mounting apprehensions regarding the safety of election workers as the United States approaches its presidential election on November 5, 2024. The U.S. Election Assistance Commission, established by the Help America Vote Act of 2002, has been working to address such concerns and improve election administration.

According to the Justice Department, Brockbank allegedly used conservative-leaning social media platforms Gab and Rumble to post threatening messages. Gab, founded in 2016, and Rumble, launched in 2013, have gained popularity among users seeking alternatives to mainstream social media sites.

The threats reportedly targeted officials in Colorado and Arizona, including Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold. The Colorado Secretary of State is an elected constitutional officer, responsible for overseeing various aspects of state governance, including elections.

One of the alleged posts from September 22, 2021, contained graphic language suggesting violence against a Colorado official. Another post from August 4, 2022, criticized election officials and implied the need for extreme actions.

"Once those people start getting put to death then the rest will melt like snowflakes and turn on each other … This is the only way. So those of us that have the stomach for what has to be done should prepare our minds for what we all [a]re going to do!!!!!! It is time."

It's important to note that while the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects freedom of speech, it does not cover threats of violence. Interstate threats are governed by 18 U.S.C. § 875, a law enacted in 1934 to address such issues.

Attorney General Merrick Garland emphasized the danger that violent threats pose to democracy. The case is being handled by the Justice Department's Election Threats Task Force, established to address the surge in threats against election officials following the 2020 presidential election and the January 6, 2021 U.S. Capitol incident.

The FBI, which was established on July 26, 1908, is investigating the case. Their affidavit alleges that Brockbank illegally possessed firearms despite a 2002 felony conviction in Utah. Felony convictions often result in the loss of certain rights, including gun ownership.

This case marks the 18th filed by the Election Threats Task Force, with 12 previous cases resulting in convictions. As the United States prepares for its upcoming presidential election, ensuring the safety and integrity of the electoral process remains a critical concern for federal authorities and election officials nationwide.