High-Profile Figures Testify to Fear and Disruption (Image Credits: Pixabay)
Las Vegas – A federal jury convicted Spencer Gear, a local resident, on 20 of 22 felony counts for making violent threats against prominent public officials across the country.[1][2]
High-Profile Figures Testify to Fear and Disruption
The trial drew national attention as victims took the witness stand to recount the impact of Gear’s calls. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg described one voicemail as “disconcerting and troubling” due to its length, intense tone, and pointed language.[3] The message, left at his office, warned of rounding up officials and hanging them.
New York Judge Juan Merchan, who presided over President Donald Trump’s hush money case, called a similar threat alarming. He explained that it affected his family time, limiting outings and activities with his children out of concern for their safety.[3] U.S. District Judge Lewis Kaplan testified via video about a voicemail demanding he dismiss a case involving Trump and columnist E. Jean Carroll. The caller labeled him a traitor and threatened, “Get your head on right or we’re going to take it off.”[3]
U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro, D-Texas, also appeared, though the jury acquitted Gear on counts related to him.[1]
- Alvin Bragg: Prosecutor in Trump’s hush money trial
- Juan Merchan: Judge in Trump’s hush money case
- Lewis Kaplan: Oversaw E. Jean Carroll civil suit against Trump
- Joaquin Castro: Texas congressman
- Multiple other judges tied to Trump and Jan. 6 cases
Detailed Threats Spanned Key Political Issues
Gear placed a dozen calls from Nevada between 2023 and 2024 targeting eight federal officials and three state employees. Prosecutors highlighted messages that outlined “in excruciating detail” how Gear and “his men” would execute victims for performing their duties.[3]
The threats touched on heated topics, including Trump’s legal battles, treatment of Jan. 6 Capitol riot defendants, border policy, and transgender issues. Call logs linked Gear’s phone to every threatening communication. One explicit phrase stood out: “This is a death threat. You’re all going to die.”[3]
Federal prosecutor Jacob Operskalski stressed that the victims took the words seriously, altering their routines and security measures. Gear’s voicemails and emails disrupted lives and aimed to intimidate public servants.[1]
Gear Blames ‘Mind Virus’ from Political Rhetoric
On the stand, Gear traced his actions to the COVID-19 pandemic. He claimed exclusion from school in Las Vegas due to vaccine rules turned him into a conservative activist. Gear testified that right-wing media figures like Alex Jones, Dan Bongino, and Steve Bannon infected him with a “mind virus” of violent rhetoric.[1][4]
His federal public defender, Rebecca Levy, argued the statements amounted to protected political hyperbole amid an “echo chamber that rewards outrage.” Gear insisted he was “just ranting,” venting frustrations without intent to harm. He expressed regret, saying he wished he had paused to think before calling.[1]
Prosecutors countered that Gear admitted the threats repeatedly and showed no concern for victims. Operskalski noted Gear’s fumbling testimony contrasted sharply with his bold, detailed messages.[1]
Jury Sides with Prosecution, Sentencing Looms
The jury deliberated briefly before returning the partial guilty verdict at the Lloyd D. George U.S. Courthouse. Gear faces up to 10 years per count of threatening a federal official and five years for transmitting threats – potentially decades behind bars.[2]
No sentencing date emerged immediately after the verdict. The acquittals on two counts tied to Rep. Castro marked the defense’s lone victories.
Key Takeaways
- Gear guilty on 20 felony counts from 22-charge indictment
- Threats targeted officials in Trump-related cases, causing real fear
- Defense cited First Amendment and media influence, but jury rejected most claims
This case highlights the thin line between fiery political speech and criminal intimidation. Public officials continue facing rising threats amid polarized debates. What do you think about the verdict? Tell us in the comments.
