Rising Threats Against Public Officials: Montana Man Sentenced for Menacing Senator Jon Tester
In Billings, Montana, a disturbing reflection of the growing hostility towards public officials unfolded as Anthony James Cross, a 30-year-old man, was sentenced to 2 1/2 years in federal prison. Cross’s offense involved leaving menacing voicemail messages for Democratic U.S. Senator Jon Tester, explicitly threatening to kill him and target his family. The chilling nature of the messages prompted immediate legal action, leading to Cross’s arrest and subsequent sentencing.
The case, presided over by U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters, reached its conclusion when Cross pleaded guilty to charges of threatening to injure and murder a U.S. senator. The plea agreement encompassed the dismissal of additional charges against Cross, including threatening President Joe Biden, indicative of the severe and far-reaching nature of his threats. Cross’s arrest was facilitated by law enforcement tracing the voicemail threats back to his phone number, further backed by his unsettling activity and comments on social media platforms.
This sentence sheds light on not just the personal ramifications for Cross, but also the broader, alarming trend of increasing threats against public figures. This is not an isolated incident; it follows on the heels of another Montana resident, Kevin Patrick Smith from Kalispell, receiving a similar sentence for threats against Senator Tester. The repeated targeting of Tester amplifies concerns regarding the safety of public officials and the intensifying political polarisation.
Senator Tester’s office has opted not to comment on the sentencing. However, the wider context of these threats – against senators, election workers, and other officials – underscores a significant challenge facing the United States: ensuring the safety of its public servants amid rising political hostility. The judiciary’s response, as seen in Cross’s sentencing, represents a crucial stance against such threats, aiming to deter potential perpetrators and protect the nation’s democratic institutions.