A two-count complaint and warrant was filed today accusing Norman Leboon, 33, of threatening to kill Cantor and his family in a YouTube video posted online this month, according to U.S. Attorney Michael L. Levy and FBI Special Agent in Charge Jan Fedarcyk.
“The Department of Justice takes threats against government officials seriously, especially threats to kill or injure others,” Levy said in statement. “Whether the reason for the threat is personal or political, threats are not protected by the First Amendment and are crimes.”
Read the affidavit and the warrant.
Cantor spokesman Brad Dayspring said the congressman was notified over the weekend by authorities that a credible threat was made against his life, and that an arrest had been made.
“At this time, the Congressman will have no further comment on this threat or the investigation, and asks that inquiries be directed to the Federal Bureau of Investigation,” Dayspring said in a statement. “The Congressman is deeply grateful for, and would like to dearly thank all local and federal law enforcement involved, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Attorney’s Office in Virginia and Philadelphia, U.S. Capitol Police and the Henrico Police Department in Virginia.”
If convicted of all charges, Leboon faces a maximum possible sentence of 15 years in prison, three years supervised release, a fine up to $500,000 and a $200 special assessment, according to the U.S. attorney’s office.
Last week, Cantor made national headlines when he announced at a news conference in Washington that his Richmond campaign office had been fired at. Police later determined that the bullet that hit his office was a random shot.
He angrily lashed out at Democratic leaders for their handling of reported threats against members of Congress. At least 10 House Democrats reported death threats or incidents of harassment or vandalism at their district offices last week.
Federal and local authorities are investigating a cut gas line at the home of U.S. Rep. Tom Perriello’s brother in Charlottesville after his address was posted online by a tea party activist upset about Perriello’s vote in favor of the federal health care bill. A threatening letter was also sent to the home.
“I’ve received threats since I assumed elected office, not only because of my position but also because I’m Jewish,” Cantor said last week. “I’ve never blamed anyone in this body for that, period. Any suggestion that a leader in this body would incite threats or acts against other members is akin to saying that I would endanger myself, my wife or my children.”
