An Ohio resident has been arrested by the FBI after allegedly threatening a Jewish Republican congressman, as well as expressing intentions to harm former President Donald Trump. The individual, Alex Justin Miller, aged 26, is accused of issuing a ‘true threat’ towards Representative Randy Fine, R-Fla., and his family, according to the Department of Justice (DOJ).
A message alleged to be from Miller, acquired by Fox News Digital, includes derogatory language directed at Fine and his family, threatening to burn their home and stating that he would persist until Fine’s head was displayed at the White House. The message concluded with ‘DEATH TO RANDY FINE AND DEATH TO DONALD TRUMP.’
Miller faces up to five years in prison if found guilty on charges of interstate transmission of a threat to injure, as stated by the DOJ.
Rep. Randy Fine, a Republican from Florida, disclosed that he received the threat via email on the morning of Florida’s primary Election Day. Fine emphasized the seriousness of the threat, noting that it was clearly more than a ‘nasty message’ and represented a significant danger.
“It was so graphic. It says, ‘I’m gonna murder you. I’m going to cut your head off. I won’t stop,'” Fine recounted to Fox News Digital. “I reported it immediately.”
Fine indicated that the threat underscored his belief that additional security measures are needed for federal officials. He pointed out that the message came from a non-Floridian, emphasizing it wasn’t from an upset local constituent.
The FBI, in conjunction with the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, Secret Service, and Capitol Police investigated the incident, leading to Miller’s arrest within 36 hours.
Fine expressed gratitude to law enforcement for taking swift action. He urged against such threatening communications towards elected officials.
“I’m incredibly grateful to the U.S. attorney, the FBI, the Capitol Police, and all the law enforcement in Florida who took this seriously,” he stated. “The bottom line is, don’t do this. Don’t write messages like this to elected officials, Republican or Democrat.”