A Nevada man has been arrested after he threatened several government officials, including the New York judge who oversaw former President Donald Trump’s criminal hush money trial and the prosecutor who brought the case, according to an indictment unsealed in Las Vegas.
Spencer Gear, 32, allegedly made phone calls and sent emails to eight federal officials and three state employees, in which he threatened to assault and murder them.
The officials were referenced in the indictment by their initials.
In one phone call, Gear allegedly “threatened to kill A.B. and J.M.,” referring to Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg and Judge Juan Merchan.
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He pleaded not guilty to all 22 counts contained in the indictment, which charged him with threatening a federal official and transmitting a communication containing a threat to injure.
“The citizens we rely on to serve the public must be able to do their jobs without fearing for their lives,” Attorney General Merrick B. Garland said in a statement. “The Justice Department has no tolerance for acts and threats of violence targeting public servants, and we will stop at nothing to find and bring to justice those responsible.”
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg stands with members of his staff at a news conference.on May 30, 2024 in New York City. | Judge Juan Merchan poses for a photo in his chambers in New York, March 14, 2024.
Getty Images, AP, FILE
Gear was remanded into custody, and his trial is scheduled to begin Sept. 24.
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If convicted, he could face decades in prison.
A spokeswoman for Bragg declined to comment, and a spokesman for the New York State Unified Court System could not immediately be reached for comment.
Robert Wells, the executive assistant director of the FBI National Security Branch, said the FBI “will not tolerate individuals who threaten government officials for doing their jobs and who create a climate of fear.”
“As this case demonstrates, we will work with our partners to investigate and hold accountable all those who threaten or interfere with government officials as they carry out their duties,” he said.
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for the western slope of the northern Sierra Nevada above 5,000 feet and Yosemite National Park, above the Valley floor, from late tonight until Wednesday afternoon.
Heavy snow is forecast.
The snow levels will initially start out between 6,000 to 7,000 feet tonight, before lowering to 5,500 to 6,500 feet on Tuesday, and then down to 4,500 to 5,500 feet on Wednesday.
The heaviest snowfall is expected Tuesday afternoon and evening.
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Minor accumulations of up to two inches is possible down to 4500 feet. The total snow accumulations above the 7,000 foot elevation, will range from three inches to as much as two feet.
Southwest winds could gust as high as fifty to seventy-five mph along the highest peaks. Such strong winds could cause tree damage.
Travel could be very difficult to impossible. Persons should delay all travel if possible. Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will likely become slick and hazardous. Visibilities may drop below a quarter of a mile due to falling and blowing snow. If travel is absolutely necessary, drive with extreme caution and be prepared for sudden changes in visibility. Leave plenty of room between you and the motorist ahead of you, and allow extra time to reach your destination. Avoid sudden braking or acceleration, and be especially cautious on hills or when making turns. Make sure your car is winterized and in good working order.
Persons in the Watch Zone are urged to stay indoors until conditions improve. If you must go outside, dress in layers. Several layers of clothes will keep you warmer than a single heavy coat. Cover exposed skin to reduce your risk of frostbite or hypothermia. Gloves, a scarf, and a hat will keep you from losing your body heat.
Monitor the latest forecasts for updates on this situation.
