In a sobering reminder of the rising tide of threats against public officials, Robert Davis Forney, a 25-year-old man from Duluth, Georgia, was arraigned on June 16, 2025, in Atlanta federal court on charges of making violent threats against two Republican U.S. senators. Forney faces federal charges after allegedly leaving threatening voicemails targeting Senator Ted Cruz of Texas and Senator Deb Fischer of Nebraska, with disturbing threats of sexual violence against both senators and, in Cruz's case, his family members.
The indictment, handed down by a federal grand jury on June 10, 2025, accuses Forney of communicating threats across state lines, a serious federal offense. Prosecutors say he left multiple voicemails at Senator Cruz's office on January 9 and Senator Fischer's office on January 10, threatening sexual violence. These messages, authorities emphasize, are not isolated incidents but part of a broader pattern of escalating hostility toward elected officials.
U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg, who oversees federal prosecutions in northern Georgia, condemned the actions in a strongly worded statement. "Threatening our elected officials and their families is an act of violence that undermines our entire democracy," he said. "Political discourse and disagreements never justify resorting to vile attacks against our nation's leaders." His words underscore the gravity with which the Justice Department views such threats, recognizing their corrosive effect on democratic institutions and public trust.
FBI Special Agent Paul Brown, based in Atlanta, reiterated the seriousness of the crime, emphasizing that "there is no place for political violence or threats of violence in the United States." He further warned that law enforcement will not hesitate to arrest and prosecute anyone engaging in similar criminal conduct. This case is being investigated jointly by the FBI and the United States Capitol Police, reflecting the national security implications of threats against government representatives.
The case against Forney comes amid a troubling national backdrop of increasing political violence and threats against elected officials. The Justice Department's "Operation Take Back America," a nationwide initiative targeting violent crime and illegal immigration, includes efforts to address this surge in threats. The recent arrest of Vance Boelter in Minnesota, accused of assassinating a state lawmaker and injuring another, highlights the deadly consequences of political violence in the country.
Last year, 2024, saw record-high levels of violent threats against lawmakers for the second consecutive year. High-profile incidents included two assassination attempts on former President Donald Trump during his campaign to return to the White House, an arson attack on Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro's residence, and the killing of two Israeli Embassy staffers in Washington, D.C. These events have heightened awareness and concern about the safety of public officials and their families.
A spokesperson for Senator Deb Fischer acknowledged on June 17, 2025, that threats to lawmakers are unfortunately common and confirmed that the U.S. Capitol Police took appropriate action regarding Forney's threats. "The senator appreciates Nebraskans’ concerns and their kind words," the spokesperson said. "She is continuing to do her job on their behalf." This statement reflects the resilience of elected officials despite the hostile environment they face. It also highlights the role of congressional staffers, often young and college-aged, who frequently field angry or threatening calls from the public, underscoring the personal toll such threats take on those supporting democratic governance.
Robert Davis Forney's arraignment marked the formal beginning of his legal proceedings. He faces two counts of communicating threats in interstate commerce, with potential federal prison time if convicted. His federal public defender has not yet commented on the case. The indictment and arraignment serve as a stern warning that threatening public officials is not only morally reprehensible but also a prosecutable federal crime with serious consequences.
This case is emblematic of broader challenges facing American democracy today. The rise in threats and violence against elected representatives threatens to chill political discourse and erode the foundational principles of governance. As U.S. Attorney Hertzberg noted, political disagreements should never devolve into vile attacks or threats of violence.
Law enforcement agencies continue to monitor and respond to these threats with increased vigilance. The collaboration between the FBI, U.S. Capitol Police, and federal prosecutors aims to protect officials and uphold the rule of law. As the nation grapples with these issues, the case of Robert Davis Forney stands as a stark reminder of the urgent need to safeguard democratic institutions and the individuals who serve within them.
