Las Vegas Man Charged with Threatening Government Officials in Multiple States

LAS VEGAS MAN CHARGED WITH THREATENING GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS, INCLUDING TRUMP HUSH MONEY JUDGE AND PROSECUTOR

A Las Vegas man, Spencer Gear, has been charged with making threatening statements towards government officials in three states and the District of Columbia, including the New York judge and prosecutor who handled former President Donald Trump’s criminal hush money trial.

Gear, 32, pleaded not guilty to 22 felony charges of threatening a federal official and transmitting a communication containing a threat to injure. The indictment, filed under seal on July 16, lists 11 alleged victims by initials, including Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg and New York Judge Juan M. Merchan.

The threats made by Gear included language of great concern to the court, prompting U.S. Magistrate Judge Brenda Weksler to order his remand to federal custody ahead of trial. Weksler noted that while Gear had little prior criminal history, his recent behavior exhibited a lack of respect for the judicial system and judges.

The case comes amidst a wave of threats directed towards government officials, including at least 56 “actionable threats” reported against District Attorney Bragg, his family, and staff since April. These threats included bomb threats, sniper sight images, and threatening messages, such as “we will kill you all” and “Your life is done.”

The escalation in threats this year has raised concerns for the safety of public officials, with increased security measures being implemented to protect those targeted. The trial for Gear is scheduled for September 24, amidst ongoing efforts to ensure the safety of government officials in the face of such threats.