As Halloween approaches, some Trump supporters in the Philly suburbs have been getting tricks rather than treats in their mailboxes: threatening letters telling them not to vote for the former president.
“We are writing with a concern about the level of political violence in the country during this election year as well as the threats to our democracy and freedoms,” the letters read.
“Your candidate is a felon, rapist, desecrator, an immoral flawed man. He is the major reason violence us [sic]. By supporting him, you are declaring your public support for a disregard for the law, civil discourse, and unity. You are indicating your hatred for minorities, immigrants, foreigners, women, education [and] Taylor Swift.
“We know where you live,” the letter continues. “You are in the database. In the dead of a cold winter’s night, this year or next and beyond, there is no knowing what may happen. Your property, your family may be impacted, your cat may get shot. And more.
“Your vote for this guy is seen as treading on my rights,” the letter said. “You tread on me at your peril, mother***er. We look forward to visiting in the future.”
It’s signed: “Patriotic citizen and a true American.”
Thus far, people in Delaware, Chester and Montgomery Counties have received copies of the letter. A spokesman for the Trump campaign said some people in the Pittsburgh area have gotten letters, also.
Linda Kerns, an election integrity lawyer for the Republican National Committee, is handling complaints about the letter. She urges anyone who receives a threatening letter to contact protectthevote.com. That organization is keeping track of the letters.
If someone gets this letter, they should save it in a Ziplock bag to preserve it as evidence and contact their local police department, she said. If the letter came through the mail, they should contact the post office. Kerns was not certain if the nasty missive was sent to people with Trump signs in their yards, registered Republicans, or just randomly.
Whoever is sending the letters could be in big trouble.
Under Pennsylvania law, anyone who threatens or intimidates voters could be changed with a felony and face a $15,000 fine, up to seven years in prison, or both. Federal charges could also be brought, Kerns said.
“The political system in our great country contemplates robust and rigorous debate of ideas,” said Kerns. “Our First Amendment protects that precious freedom. Intimidation, threats, force, or violence towards voters has no place in our democracy.”
“We are cooperating with federal, state, and local authorities in their investigations and, hopefully, prosecutions of anyone who so blatantly and wrongfully interferes in our elections.”
Kerns said they’re contacting the U.S. Attorney’s Office about the letters.
“We’re taking this very seriously,” she said.
