An upstate New York man allegedly threatened to kill Georgia Rep. Mike Collins over what he described as an “inaccurate” article published online, federal investigators said.
Anthony Lantrell Bennett was arrested in Buffalo after allegedly sending a terroristic threat to the Peach State Republican and his son-in-law last week, the FBI and the Butts County Sheriff’s Office announced Monday.
“I understand politics. I understand disagreements. But there is a line that cannot be crossed,” Butts County Sheriff Gary Long said.
“Threatening to kill a public official or his family is not politics — it is a criminal act, and we will take it seriously and hold those responsible accountable just as we did in this case,” Long added.
Authorities did not disclose how Bennett allegedly sent the message, what it specifically contained or which platform he used. According to the FBI, however, Bennett apparently admitted during questioning that he sent the threat in response to an online story he believed was “inaccurate.”
It remains unclear which story Bennett was referring to or what prompted the alleged threat. CNN reported in July that Collins’ son-in-law, David Alan Scheer II, had previously shared antisemitic and white nationalist rhetoric.
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“No American should have to worry that their home could be the next Butler, Pennsylvania or Utah Valley University,” Collins said in a statement after Bennett’s arrest.
“I’m grateful to the FBI, the Butts County Sheriff’s Department, and all law enforcement partners for acting quickly to protect my family.”
Collins, who is running for a U.S. Senate seat, also criticized his opponent, Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff, accusing him of portraying Collins as a “monster.”
“When you mix false accusations with inflammatory rhetoric, it fuels the lunatics who want to settle political disagreements with violence,” Collins said.
Ossoff responded by saying he “condemns all threats of violence.”
Ossoff currently holds a nine-point lead over Collins, according to a polling average compiled by Decision Desk HQ.
