Texas man arrested for allegedly threatening Democrats over coronavirus bill

A 27-year-old Texas man has been arrested after allegedly making death threats against Democrats over the coronavirus stimulus bill that was passed on Friday, a local ABC News affiliate reports.

Gavin Perry was arrested by police over Facebook posts reportedly saying Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) is running a “satanic cult,” and encouraging people to shoot Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) “on sight.”

“Dems of the establishment will be removed at any cost necessary, and yes, that means by death,” he also allegedly wrote in the post.

Police said Perry told them he does not recognize the authority of the federal government. He faces up to five years in prison if convicted. 

“The Department of Justice takes the security of our public servants seriously. Americans are entitled to voice their opinions, but we will not allow them to threaten our officials’ physical safety,” U.S. Attorney Erin Nealy Cox said.

“This defendant’s threats against the Speaker and law enforcement agents are wholly inexcusable, and we look forward to bringing him to justice.”

Online death threats against lawmakers have led to a number of arrests in recent days. A man was indicted last month for alleged threats against Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), and Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) has called for security due to death threats she claims she has received. 

The coronavirus stimulus package was signed into law by President Trump on Friday afternoon. 

It includes $1,200 one-time payments to many Americans, $377 billion for aid to small businesses and boosts the maximum unemployment benefit by $600 per week for four months. Both Democrats and Republicans had to compromise on certain provisions to get the bill to Trump’s desk.