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A California man who threatened to kill Rep. Matt Gates has been convicted by the Florida Department of Justice.
Eugene Huelsman, 59, of Thousand Oaks pleaded guilty to one count of communicating a threat in interstate commerce and was sentenced to six months of house arrest, according to US Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, Department of Justice Jason R. Coody made the announcement on Thursday. .
“The exercise of free speech is central to our democracy. But in this case, the transmission of threats of physical violence by individuals who have previously made similar threats of violence and have been investigated is clearly illegal. ‘ said Coody.
“Together with our law enforcement partners, we are committed to ensuring public safety for all citizens,” he added.
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Sherry E. Onks, a special agent in charge of the FBI’s Jacksonville Division, said an individual’s freedom of speech has limits, and threats to an individual’s life or well-being cross the line.
“Everyone has the right to express their opinion, but harassment, intimidation, or threats of violence against others are federal crimes and will not be tolerated,” Onks said in a Justice Department release.
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FBI agents said the sentence should “serve as a warning” to other individuals seeking to intimidate politically dissenting lawmakers.
“Words matter and this ruling should serve as a warning,” she added. “The FBI and our law enforcement partners will work to hold you accountable.”
The ruling was issued on January 9, 2021, after Huelsman left a profanity-laden voicemail at the phone number of Gates’ congressional district office in Pensacola, Florida. This included a threat to kill him.
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“Today’s ruling recognizes that the defendant has repeatedly threatened to use violence and is a significant deterrent to those who threaten to use violence against others instead of participating in legal debates. It should be,” Coody continued.
In the message, Huelsman said he intended to “put a bullet in” Gates and his family.
“tell me [M.G.] Look behind him and tell him to watch his children,” Huelsman was quoted as saying.
“Watch your back, I’m coming for you. I’m going to put a bullet in you, and I’m going to put a bullet in one of your f–king’s children, too.” He added for each record.
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Gaetz’s office contacted the Capitol Police, and a subsequent investigation revealed that Huelsman had left the message.
In addition to house arrest, Huelsman will have to serve five years of probation and pay a $10,000 fine.
Last year, the Florida Department of Justice said Huelsman could face up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.