FREDERICK, MD – James Dale Reed, 42, of Frederick, Maryland, is facing federal charges after allegedly penning a horrifying letter threatening former Vice President Joe Biden and Senator Kamala Harris. The U.S. Secret Service and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland announced the charges today, stemming from a letter discovered on October 4th, 2020.
The letter, left on the doorstep of a Frederick resident displaying Biden/Harris campaign signs, didn’t mince words. According to the affidavit, it explicitly threatened violence against both candidates. It stated, in part, that Biden would be “severely beat to the point of death” and Harris would be subjected to a brutal sexual assault with a rifle barrel, before both would be executed on national television. The resident captured the delivery of the letter on a door camera, providing crucial evidence.
“We take these types of threats extremely seriously,” stated United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur. “Such threats to commit violence are illegal and have no place in our democracy, and we will hold accountable those who make them.” The investigation quickly zeroed in on Reed after a citizen tip led investigators to recognize him in the door camera footage. An individual familiar with Reed positively identified him as the person captured on video.
Initially, Reed denied any involvement when questioned by investigators on October 13th, 2020, claiming he didn’t write the letter and wasn’t the person in the video. However, just two days later, he confessed to both writing and delivering the threatening message. He was subsequently arrested by local authorities, and a federal warrant was lodged to ensure his appearance in U.S. District Court. The Frederick Police Department assisted in the investigation.
Prosecutors are now building their case against Reed, who faces a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison if convicted of the charge: threats against a major candidate for President or Vice President. U.S. Attorney Hur emphasized the importance of protecting the democratic process. “The right to vote and peacefully support the candidate of your choice are bedrocks of our democracy,” he said. “Conduct like this…undermines our democracy.”
While a criminal complaint has been filed, it’s crucial to remember that Reed is presumed innocent until proven guilty. Assistant U.S. Attorneys James G. Warwick and Cassie Mathias are prosecuting the case. The U.S. Secret Service – Baltimore Field Office led the investigation, with commendations from U.S. Attorney Hur for their diligent work. This case serves as a stark reminder of the escalating threats facing political figures and the consequences of such actions.
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Key Facts
- Agency: U.S. Secret Service
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Press Release
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