Richard Rogers of Montana received a four-year probation for threatening former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. He was convicted of harassment and making threats related to a Chinese spy balloon incident. Although prosecutors sought prison time, the judge noted Rogers did not act on his threats and drew comparisons to lighter sentences given to those involved in the Capitol riot.

A Montana man received four years of probation for threatening former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy due to frustration over the government’s inaction regarding a Chinese spy balloon. Richard Rogers, 45, of Billings, was convicted of threatening a member of Congress and making harassing phone calls to officials.

Despite prosecutors seeking a two-year prison sentence, Judge Susan Watters opted for probation, citing that Rogers did not act on his threats. She drew parallels between Rogers’ case and those of individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol assault, who received lighter sentences for more severe offenses.

Rogers expressed his intention to appeal the decision and indicated he would not adhere to court-imposed conditions, including abstaining from marijuana. During a series of phone calls to McCarthy’s office, he made an assault threat one day after the Pentagon confirmed tracking the spy balloon, which was subsequently shot down.

Rogers defended his actions as a form of protest, stating, “My actions were a form of performative shock jock. That’s the style of protest. It was never intended to cause harm.” His threat against McCarthy carried a potential six-year sentence, and prosecutors emphasized the need for a deterrent message against threats to public officials.

Prosecutors noted that threats against elected officials have surged, with over 8,000 reported in 2023 alone. In contrast, other Montana individuals received prison sentences for comparable threats against officials, highlighting the seriousness of such conduct and the broader societal implications surrounding political discourse.

Richard Rogers’ case underscores the legal ramifications of threats against public officials, especially as such incidents are on the rise in the United States. The decision to impose probation rather than prison time raises questions about accountability and the interpretation of free speech as it pertains to public threats. This case serves as a reminder of the need for maintaining civility in political discourse.

Original Source: apnews.com

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