House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York denounces recent bomb threats against several Connecticut Democrats as “unacceptable” and insists House Democrats will not be threatened to do their jobs. did.
“America is a democracy. Threats of violence against elected officials are unacceptable, unconscionable and have no place in a civilized society,” Jeffries said in a statement Friday. “All perpetrators of political violence directed against any political party must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
His remarks came after multiple members of Connecticut's congressional delegation admitted that they were the targets of bomb threats to their homes on Thanksgiving Day.
Democrats targeted included Jim Himes, John Larson, Jahana Hayes, U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney and Sen. Chris Murphy, according to the office and local police.
Mr Jeffries said the incidents ranged from threats to place pipe bombs in mailboxes to beatings, and each message was signed with the word “MAGA” at the end.
“MAGA” refers to the Make America Great Again movement behind President-elect Trump, but it was not immediately clear what the message referred to. Reached for further comment, U.S. Capitol Police said it could not provide further details about the incident.
Jeffries' office and the Connecticut State Police directed The Hill to contact local law enforcement, who did not immediately respond to inquiries.
An investigation into the incident by local and state enforcement agencies did not locate the device.
Jeffries said House Democrats “will not be deterred or intimidated” from doing their jobs by threats of violence and that his office has been in contact with the Office of the Sergeant at Arms. .
“It is imperative that Congress provides maximum protection for all members and their families going forward,” he wrote.
A White House spokesperson confirmed that President Biden was briefed on the incident on Thursday, saying the FBI is aware of “numerous bombings and swatting incidents targeting incoming administration nominees and appointees.” , said it is “working with our law enforcement partners.”
Earlier this week, several of President Trump's appointees and nominees, including current Republican congressmen Elise Stefanik of New York and Congresswoman Lori Chavez Delemer of Oregon, whom Trump nominated to be ambassador to the United Nations, Several people were targeted by bomb threats. ), his choice as Secretary of Labor.
