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Published 13:09 IST, December 22nd 2023

US elections 2024: New Hampshire man indicted for threatening to kill 2024 presidential candidates

The swift response from law enforcement has been met with relief and gratitude from the targeted campaigns.

Reported by: Sagar Kar
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 Vivek Ramaswamy
Vivek Ramaswamy is one of the candidates who was threatened. | Image: AP

A disturbing case of political threats has come to light, with a New Hampshire man facing serious charges for allegedly targeting multiple 2024 presidential candidates. 30-year-old Tyler Anderson of Dover, N.H., has been indicted on three counts of transmitting in interstate commerce a threat to injure the person of another, according to the Department of Justice (DOJ).

While the DOJ statement did not disclose the names of the targeted candidates, the campaigns of Chris Christie and Vivek Ramaswamy have confirmed they were among those Anderson allegedly threatened, as per a report from Axios. The nature of the threats is deeply concerning, with prosecutors detailing a series of disturbing text messages sent over the past month.

A pattern of threats

  • November 22: Anderson allegedly threatened to "impale" and "disembowel" one of the candidates.
  • December 6: He is accused of sending a barrage of threats to a second candidate, including messages about "blowing" their "head off" and conducting a "mass shooting."
  • December 8: The most recent alleged threats involved messages sent to the Ramaswamy campaign, detailing plans to "blow" the candidate's "brains out" and "kill everyone" attending a campaign event.

Anderson was arrested on December 9 and made an initial appearance in federal court on December 11. He was released on conditions on December 14. If convicted, he faces up to five years in prison for each charge.

Law enforcement takes action

The swift response from law enforcement has been met with relief and gratitude from the targeted campaigns. A spokesperson for the Christie campaign expressed their appreciation to the DOJ and law enforcement for "moving quickly to address these threats."

This incident underscores the importance of vigilance and swift action in the face of political threats. It serves as a reminder that violence and intimidation have no place in political discourse, and that those who engage in such behavior will be held accountable.

Moving forward

As the 2024 presidential election heats up, it is crucial that all parties involved prioritize civility and safety. Let us hope that this disturbing case serves as a wake-up call for everyone to condemn violence and work towards a more respectful and constructive political environment. It is important to note that while the details of this case are concerning, we must also respect the presumption of innocence until proven guilty. 

Updated 13:13 IST, December 22nd 2023