
John Pollard of Pennsylvania is facing federal charges for making shocking threats against a political party worker.
At a Glance
- John Pollard, 62, was charged for threatening a political party worker in Pennsylvania.
- Threats made via text included using the victim’s skin for toilet paper.
- Pollard faces up to five years in prison if convicted.
- The DOJ’s Election Threats Task Force is investigating.
A Serious Allegation
John Pollard, 62, from Philadelphia faces serious allegations after sending violent text messages to a political party worker involved in poll watcher recruitment. He threatened the individual with language so severe it included intentions of physical harm, according to the Department of Justice (DOJ). Specifically, Pollard talked about using the victim’s skin for toilet paper, a detail that has amplified the gravity of these charges.
The threats, sent on September 6, came in response to an online post by the victim about poll watcher recruitment. Pollard’s messages revealed violent intent.
A Pennsylvania man is accussed of threatening a state political party worker and threatened to use their skin as "toilet paper" https://t.co/HczQ3RP36J
— abc27 News (@abc27News) October 21, 2024
Legal Proceedings Underway
Pollard was arrested and appeared in federal court in Philadelphia. He has been charged with one count of transmitting interstate threats. If found guilty, he faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison. This charge marks a critical effort by the authorities to underline the seriousness of threats made within the democratic process, particularly those against political and election officials
“Your days are numbered, B‑‑‑‑! GONNA F‑‑‑ING FIND YOU AND S*IN YOU ALIVE AND USE YOUR SKIN FOR F‑‑‑ING TOILET PAPER!”- John Pollard
The Justice Department’s Criminal Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania lead the prosecution. Concurrently, the FBI Pittsburgh Field Office conducts the ongoing investigation.
A Philadelphia man faces charges of allegedly threatening to kill a Pennsylvania state political party official who was recruiting poll watchers for next month’s elections, the Justice Department announced Monday. https://t.co/K0pEfm0pe3
— The Washington Post (@washingtonpost) October 21, 2024
Election Threats Task Force
The Election Threats Task Force, created in June 2021, addresses threats against election workers. This task force, part of the Department of Justice, works with law enforcement and other agencies to prosecute these threats, ensuring election workers can safely perform their duties without fear of harassment or violence.
The public is encouraged to report threats or violent acts to the FBI or local enforcement agencies. As the investigation continues, Pollard remains presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Sources
1. Pennsylvania man charged in threats against political party official
2. Philadelphia Resident Charged for Election-Related Threat to State Party Representative