Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is the youngest woman ever to work in the United States Congress. She is a member of the Democratic Party and currently serves as the U.S representative of the New York 14th congressional district.
She is known for her substantial social media presence and her support for the progressive platform of the United States. Alexandria has got threats from various people ever since she assumed office. Recently, one such man who threatened her has been arrested and put on trial.
Staff from Alexandria’s office have testified that they are “very concerned” about her safety after receiving death threats in her office. The person who made the threats works as an analyst at the New York state court. He has since been suspended and arrested by the FBI.
The Case
Brendan Hunt is on trial now for allegedly threatening to kill Ocasio-Cortez and also several other Democratic politicians. The list of people who were threatened includes Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Hunt is a big supporter of former President Donald Trump and made his threats after believing the false claims of Trump that the elections had been rigged.
Hunt posted various violent threats on social media before and after Jan 6th. He even supported the Jan 6th riots of storming the capitol by Trump’s supporters. The incident had left 5 people dead.
Arrest and Trial
Hunt was arrested on Jan 19th and the trial happened on Jan 26th. He was arrested for posting a video online entitled “Kill Your Senators,” in which he tells all the Trump supporters to return to the Capitol and attack them again but this time with guns. He says that the only thing stopping him from going was that he did not own a gun.
Hunt has pleaded that he is not guilty. His lawyers argue his social media posts are protected by the First Amendment Act.
This is the first case related to the Jan 6th riots to be brought to trial. There was another such man from Texas who had been charged for threatening Alexandria and even being part of the riot.
