Some threats to public officials are also prosecuted at the state and local levels. Threats of violence against public officials or their families not only terrify people, they also play havoc with the legislative process. During Obama’s second term, politically motivated threats to public officials that led to federal arrests were less likely to name names. Between 2013 and January 19, 2017, the sitting president – Obama – was the target in 71% of all such threats against named public officials, CNN found. Rissi’s case illustrates not only how threats to public officials can undermine democracy, but also how the radicalization fueling the threats can tear at the fabric of a family.

Source: CNN December 08, 2023 01:36 UTC