Convertino Charged

A 22-year-old woman from Murfreesboro, Penelope R. Convertino, has been charged with making a threat to murder a federal official, specifically U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn, announced Acting United States Attorney Robert E. McGuire for the Middle District of Tennessee.

According to court documents, on Friday, May 30, 2025, a voice message was left on the voicemail for Senator Blackburn’s Nashville satellite Senate office. One of Senator Blackburn’s staff listened to the voicemail the following Monday. In it, the caller said, “My name is mother**ker and I’m gonna kill Marsha Blackburn. I’m gonna shoot her with a gun. I’m gonna blow up her head on national TV. She will literally have brains splattered behind her because she will not be a person. She will be a dead f**king body.”

Convertino was arrested earlier today by FBI agents. If convicted, she faces a maximum of 10 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine. The case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Nashville Field Office, and Acting United States Attorney Robert E. McGuire is prosecuting the case.

Acting United States Attorney Robert E. McGuire stated, “Our public officials should be able to do their jobs without receiving vile death threats.” He also emphasized that “Threatening public officials with deadly violence cannot and will not be tolerated. We will not hesitate to hold those who make these kinds of violent threats accountable for their crimes.”

The complaint against Convertino alleges that she made the threat with the intent to impede, intimidate, and interfere with Senator Blackburn while she was engaged in the performance of her official duties. A complaint is merely an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

The FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office take threats against public officials very seriously, and this case is a prime example of their commitment to protecting those who serve the public. As the investigation and prosecution of Convertino continue, it serves as a reminder that threats of violence against anyone, especially public officials, will not be tolerated and will be met with swift and severe consequences.

In a statement, the U.S. Attorney’s Office emphasized the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions, particularly when it comes to threats against public officials. The office also encouraged anyone with information about threats or violent acts against public officials to come forward and cooperate with law enforcement.