LEANDER, Texas — A Leander man has been sentenced to two years in prison for threatening to kill Georgia election officials in January 2021.
According to a release from the U.S. Department of Justice's Office of Public Affairs, 55-year-old Chad Stark posted a message on Craigslist on or about Jan. 5, 2021, entitled, "Georgia Patriots it’s time to kill [Official A] the Chinese agent - $10,000.”
The message stated:
"Georgia Patriots it’s time for us to take back our state from these Lawless treasonous traitors. It’s time to invoke our Second Amendment right it’s time to put a bullet in the treasonous Chinese [Official A]. Then we work our way down to [Official B] the local and federal corrupt judges. It’s our duty as American Patriots to put an end to the lives of these traitors and take back our country by force we can no longer wait on the corrupt law enforcement in the corrupt courts. If we want our country back we have to exterminate these people. One good loyal Patriot deer hunter in camo and a rifle can send a very clear message to these corrupt governors.. milita up Georgia it’s time to spill blood…. we need to pay a visit to [Official C] and her family as well and put a bullet her behind the ears. Let’s be very clear to our local law enforcement who have stood down and watch BLM antifa destroy our country and kill our citizens yet you’ll step up to stop Patriot supporters you’ll enforce face mask and you’ll close American businesses??? Remember one thing local law enforcement the key word being local….. we will find you oathbreakers and we’re going to pay your family to visit your mom your dad your brothers and sisters your children your wife… we’re going to make examples of traitors to our country… death to you and all you communist friends."
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland said that Stark's sentence "should serve as a warning" that the Justice Department is prepared to address illegal threats against public servants "who make our democracy work."
"It’s simple: protecting America’s democracy means protecting the public servants and officials who ensure the electoral process is fair and free," FBI Director Christopher Wray said. "Christopher Stark threatened the lives of multiple election workers in an attempt to prevent them from doing their job. Today’s [Nov. 29] sentencing demonstrates the FBI’s resolute commitment to securing American elections from any attempts to undermine their integrity."
Stark's case was investigated by the FBI Atlanta Field Office.
This case is part of the U.S. Justice Department's Election Threats Task Force, announced in June 2021. The task force aims to address threats of violence against election worker and ensure they are able to do their jobs safely.
To report suspected threats or violent acts against election workers, Americans can contact their local FBI office and request to speak with the Election Crimes Coordinator. Contact information for every FBI field office may be found at www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/. The FBI can also be contacted at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324) or by filing an online complaint at www.tips.fbi.gov