A Billings, Montana man was convicted on Wednesday for threatening former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy in response to the government’s handling of the Chinese spy balloon incident that occurred last year. Richard Rogers, 45, was found guilty by a 12-person jury for making threats against McCarthy after the Pentagon confirmed it was tracking the balloon, which had been spotted over Montana as it drifted across the United States.
The balloon, which sparked national security concerns, was ultimately shot down over the Atlantic Ocean after U.S. defense officials delayed taking action to prevent potential harm to civilians on the ground. Rogers, however, expressed his anger over the situation in more than 100 phone calls to McCarthy’s office on February 3, 2023, just a day after the Pentagon’s announcement. According to prosecutors, these calls were made in a span of 75 minutes, and Rogers frequently used vulgar and abusive language.
In addition to his threats toward McCarthy, Rogers was convicted on two counts of making harassing telephone calls, both during his communications with McCarthy’s office and in 150 calls made to an FBI tips line in 2021 and 2022. In court, prosecutors argued that Rogers’ behavior went beyond protected free speech, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Godfrey stating, “You can’t talk to people that way. It’s common sense.” Prosecutors claimed Rogers made these calls not out of political protest but for personal gratification.
Rogers defended his actions during the three-day trial, claiming that his repeated calls to McCarthy and the FBI were a form of “civil disobedience.” However, the jury found his behavior to be criminal, particularly given the threats against McCarthy’s life and the obscene language directed at staff and call operators.
Rogers now faces sentencing on January 31, 2024, where he could receive up to six years in prison and a $250,000 fine for threatening a member of Congress. He also faces a maximum penalty of two years in prison and an additional $250,000 fine for the two harassment counts.
The rise of political violence in the U.S. has become a growing concern in recent years. The Department of Justice has taken steps to increase security measures ahead of the 2024 election, especially in light of recent assassination attempts on prominent political figures, including former President Donald Trump. Assistant Attorney General Carlos Uriarte emphasized the DOJ’s zero-tolerance policy on political violence, stating, “These crimes are attacks on our democracy.”
The violence is mostly coming from one side, by the way…
This case serves as a reminder of the legal consequences individuals face for making threats against public officials, as the DOJ continues to prioritize the safety of elected officials and election infrastructure in a tense political climate.