A former employee and a reserve police officer were detained on Thursday after a series of threats against Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene and her family that spanned nearly two years.
Seth Jason, 64, from Maryland, was arrested at the U.S. Capitol and is facing multiple charges linked to federal officials through interstate communication. These charges include making threats and anonymous communications that could influence officials.
Authorities confiscated various devices during the arrest, including laptops, phones, an iPad, and several thumb drives.
During a press conference, U.S. Attorney Janine Pirro mentioned that the threatening behavior continued from October 2023 until late January of this year.
Jason allegedly sent alarming messages stating, “We’re armed and ready to take care of you. We’re chasing you and your staff. We have an AK-47.” This warning targeted Greene as well as her staff and their families.
Pirro described Jason as a “fraudulent” former federal employee of Voice of America, claiming that he used broadcaster resources to make threats. He is currently unemployed after retiring from his position, which came about after a period of significant changes in the agency under former President Donald Trump.
Lake Kali, a senior adviser at the global media agency overseeing American broadcasting, thanked Pirro for taking the threats seriously, adding that such behavior endangers not just public officials but also civil servants.
She expressed frustration over taxpayer-funded agencies being used inappropriately, stating, “I’m tired of what Congressman @RepMTG has had to endure for 15 months. It’s time to shut down the voices of America.”
Pirro emphasized that threats against public officials are serious crimes, and those who engage in such behavior will face the full weight of the law.
Capitol Police Chief Mike Sullivan pointed out that the landscape of threats toward lawmakers has transformed, especially in light of recent violence against officials, reinforcing the urgency of addressing such threats.
Jason, who had volunteered as a reserve officer in Anne Arundel County, is no longer associated with the department. Pirro noted there’s no evidence suggesting Jason was involved in earlier reported incidents concerning Greene.
Greene’s office has yet to respond to requests for comment regarding the situation.
