Scott Eli Harris, Violent Threats, Texas 2024

In a shocking case of violent intimidation, a Texas man has been indicted for sending explicit threats to a prominent Maryland doctor who had been a vocal advocate for COVID-19 vaccines.

According to a federal indictment unsealed on October 13, 2024, Scott Eli Harris, 51, of Aubrey, Texas, was charged with willfully transmitting in interstate commerce a threat to injure another person.

The indictment alleges that Harris sent a threatening message from his cellular phone to the doctor, which included violent and explicit threats such as, "Never going to take your wonder drug. My 12 gauge promises I won’t," and "… I can’t wait for the shooting to start." The message also referenced the doctor’s race and national origin.

The indictment was announced by Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, U.S. Attorney Erek L. Barron for the District of Maryland, and Special Agent in Charge Thomas J. Sobocinski of the FBI Baltimore Field Office.

An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence of guilt, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

Harris is scheduled to have an initial appearance on Wednesday, October 13, in U.S. District Court in Plano, Texas.

If convicted, Harris faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.

This case highlights the dangers of online intimidation and the importance of protecting individuals from violent threats.

The FBI continues to investigate cases of online harassment and threats, and the public is encouraged to report any suspicious activity to the authorities.

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