A Pennsylvania man allegedly sent death threats to a political party worker over the party’s poll-watching recruiting efforts, raising serious concerns over election-related threats. John Pollard used violent language via text messaging. Pollard could face up to 5 years in prison if convicted. The Justice Department’s Election Theats Task Force is handling the case.
Charges Against John Pollard
John Pollard, a 62-year-old from Philadelphia, faces federal charges for allegedly transmitting threats to a political party representative. The threats came after the representative posted online about recruiting poll watchers. Pollard’s arrest is significant, highlighting the DOJ’s efforts to clamp down on intimidation related to the electoral process.
The DOJ’s Election Threats Task Force is investigating the case. Launched in June 2021, the task force was created to address violence and intimidation against election workers. The case is being prosecuted by the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania.
A Philadelphia man has been charged with threatening to kill a representative of a political party who was recruiting poll watchers, officials said Monday. https://t.co/qrbFqK7rrb
— CBS Philadelphia (@CBSPhiladelphia) October 21, 2024
Details of the Threat
Pollard is accused of sending threatening messages to the victim on September 6, expressing violent intentions. One of the chilling threats allegedly stated, “GONNA F***ING FIND YOU AND SKIN YOU ALIVE AND USE YOUR SKIN FOR F***ING TOILET PAPER, YOU F***ING KCKER!”
“Your days are numbered, B—! GONNA F‑‑‑ING FIND YOU AND SKIN YOU ALIVE AND USE YOUR SKIN FOR F‑‑‑ING TOILET PAPER, YOU F‑‑‑ING KKK—T!” John Pollard texted.
Pollard made his initial appearance in federal court in Philadelphia. If found guilty, he faces a substantial maximum sentence of five years in prison. The FBI’s Pittsburgh Field Office is leading the investigation alongside the local enforcement agencies.
A 62-year-old man in Philadelphia was charged with making text message threats to a state-level Republican Party employee who was trying to recruit Election Day poll observers on Facebook last month.
Max penalty is five years in prisonhttps://t.co/xXs0kamNtV pic.twitter.com/ptmCUCeXVt
— Jared Holt (@jaredlholt) October 21, 2024
The Election Threats Task Force
The Election Threats Task Force operates as part of a broader initiative ensuring the safety and security of election workers. The task force collaborates across law enforcement and the election community to investigate threats. It encourages the public to report threats or violence to the FBI or law enforcement to preserve the integrity of American elections.
The nation faces increasing pressure with election-related tensions. The DOJ’s task force works tirelessly to prevent interference in the democratic process. As Pollard’s case continues, it sheds light on the legal consequences of election-related intimidation and the government’s measures to protect the electoral framework.