California man indicted for threats to kill Benny Johnson and his family

George Russell Isbell Jr. was indicted on two counts, including interstate threats to injure and mailing threatening communications to injure.

“Thank you to everyone at the [DOJ], [FBI], and the Trump Administration for acting quickly on this massive threat against my family,” Johnson posted on X. “Left-wing violence has no place here. We will never stop fighting until our kids can grow up in a safe and strong country.”

According to the criminal complaint, Isbell mailed a threatening letter from San Diego to Johnson in Florida around September 18. The letter stated that Johnson needed “to be exterminated” and referenced the assassination of Charlie Kirk. It also included graphic language, telling Johnson he hopes the American flag “strangles the life out of you,” and that “Maybe someone will blow your head off!!! We can hope! Planning any public engagements? Love to see your head explode and your blood stain the concrete red. What a sight!”

“The FBI and our partners will not tolerate threats of violence like the kind allegedly made by the defendant about a media personality,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “We will continue to investigate, pursue, and find those responsible for this conduct and ensure such criminals are held to full account in our justice system.”

If convicted, Isbell faces up to five years in federal prison.

US Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe for the Middle District of Florida said the case highlights the alarming trend of rising political violence in the country.

“Unfortunately, a rise in political threats has been accompanied by a rise in political violence,” said Kehoe. “We take all threats of violence seriously and will continue to respond in close coordination with our law enforcement partners and prosecute the authors of such threatening communications.”