Montana Man Convicted for Threatening Kevin McCarthy Over Spy Balloon

A federal jury in Montana has found Richard Rogers, 45, guilty of threatening to assault former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. The conviction stems from a series of calls Rogers made to McCarthy's office on February 3, 2023, expressing anger over the government's handling of a Chinese spy balloon that had floated over his home city of Billings.

Rogers, who made over 100 calls to McCarthy's office in just 75 minutes, was also convicted on two counts of making harassing telephone calls. These included the calls to McCarthy's office and an additional 150 calls to an FBI tip line between 2021 and 2022.

The case highlights the growing concern over threats against public officials in the United States. In 2023, the U.S. Capitol Police investigated more than 8,000 threats to lawmakers, with officials anticipating another surge as the 2024 election approaches. This trend reflects a broader issue of increasing hostility towards elected representatives, their families, and government workers.

During the three-day trial, Rogers' defense team argued that his actions were a form of civil disobedience protected by the First Amendment. However, prosecutors contended that Rogers crossed a legal line by threatening McCarthy's life and subjecting staff members to abusive language.

"You can't talk to people that way. It's common sense. He's calling not out of political protest; he's calling because he gets enjoyment out of it."

The jury's decision underscores the fine line between free speech and illegal harassment. While the First Amendment protects the right to petition the government, it does not extend to threats or abusive behavior towards public officials.

Rogers, who claimed to have been in Washington during the January 6, 2021 attack on the Capitol, faces up to six years in prison and a $250,000 fine for threatening a member of Congress. Sentencing is scheduled for January 31, 2024.

This case is not isolated. Recently, another Montana resident received a 2.5-year federal prison sentence for threatening Senator Jon Tester and his family. These incidents reflect a troubling pattern of escalating threats against elected officials across the United States.

As the nation approaches the 2024 election, law enforcement agencies remain vigilant against potential threats to public officials. The conviction of Rogers serves as a reminder of the legal consequences for those who cross the line from political dissent to criminal behavior.