Federal prosecutors announced on Tuesday that a man from Alabama has been charged with making threats towards the Fulton County District Attorney, Fani Willis, and the Fulton County Sheriff, Patrick Labat. The man has been indicted on these charges.
A federal grand jury in Atlanta has indicted Arthur Ray Hanson, II for threatening Willis and Labat due to their involvement in the Fulton County, Georgia investigation of former President Donald Trump. Hanson appeared in federal court in Huntsville and is scheduled for formal arraignment in Atlanta on November 13.
According to U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan, sending threats across state lines to physically harm prosecutors and law enforcement officers is a despicable act aimed at disrupting the administration of justice and intimidating those who have sworn to safeguard the rights of citizens. When someone threatens to harm public servants carrying out their duties to enforce criminal laws, it undermines the very fabric of our society. To address this issue, our office will work relentlessly with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to ensure that law enforcement officials can serve our communities without fear of physical assault.
Keri Farley, the Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta, strongly emphasized that threats against public servants are not only illegal but also pose a severe threat to our democratic process. She highlighted that the FBI’s mission is to protect the American people and uphold the Constitution, and they take this responsibility very seriously. The agency seeks to bring to justice those who engage in such criminal behavior and send a clear message that such conduct will not be tolerated.
Hanson’s message to the Sheriff contained several statements, warning that taking a mugshot of President Donald Trump would result in grave consequences. He threatened that if the Sheriff took the photo, something terrible would happen to him, and that having a badge would be of no help. Hanson also cautioned the Sheriff against ruining his life and getting hurt badly. He further added that anyone who kept interfering with the President would get into trouble.
In his message to the District Attorney, Hanson cautioned to remain vigilant while going to the car or entering the house, suggesting that everyone needs to be careful and not solely rely on others for protection. He further added that there can be moments of vulnerability and advised the District Attorney to be cautious and look over his shoulder when alone, especially after charging Trump on the fourth indictment. Hanson emphasized that anything put out there comes back ten times harder, and the District Attorney should always keep this in mind.
On October 25, 2023, Arthur Ray Hanson, II, aged 59 and a resident of Huntsville, Alabama, was indicted. It is important to note that the indictment only outlines the charges against the defendant. Until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt at trial, the defendant is presumed innocent.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is currently conducting an investigation into this case.
The case is being prosecuted by Bret R. Hobson and Brent Alan Gray, who are Assistant U.S. Attorneys.
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