Phoenix man indicted for threatening Congressman

TUCSON, ARIZONA (BNO NEWS) – A Phoenix, Arizona man was charged on a one count indictment for threatening to assault, kidnap and murder a U.S. Congressman, U.S. District Attorney Dennis Burke announced on Monday.

Justin M. Hayes, 31, allegedly called Congressman Raul Grijalva’s office in Tucson on April 23. Hayes threatened to come down and “blow the brains out” of the Congressman and his staff members. The defendant claimed to be angry over the Congressman’s position on immigration issues.

“This office takes threats against any individual, including public officials, with the utmost seriousness. This is not protected speech. Such crimes endanger the civility our democracy is built upon,” said Burke.

If convicted, Hayes faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The sentence will be determined by the judge according to the severity of the crime and to the U.S. sentencing guidelines for an appropriate sentencing range.

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