Steven Anthony Major, Threatening a U.S. Senator, West Virginia 2015

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A disturbing case of a threat against a high-ranking official has come to light, with Steven Anthony Major, 50, from Barboursville, West Virginia, pleading guilty to threatening to murder United States Senator Joseph Manchin, III.

The threats, which Major made from March 17-20, 2014, were directed at both Sen. Manchin’s Charleston and Washington D.C. offices, with the defendant leaving messages identifying himself and making violent threats against the senator and his family.

This egregious act of intimidation will not be tolerated in our society. As a representative of the people, U.S. Senator Joseph Manchin, III deserves respect and safety, not threats of violence.

Steven Anthony Major, 50, is facing up to 10 years in federal prison for his actions. He is scheduled to be sentenced on May 27, 2015.

The investigation into Major’s actions was a collaborative effort between the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Capitol Police, and the West Virginia State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Haley Bunn is handling the prosecution.

As our nation grapples with the complexities of violence and intimidation, it is essential that we hold those responsible accountable for their actions. Steven Anthony Major’s guilty plea serves as a reminder that threats of violence will not be tolerated.

United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston presided over the plea hearing, ensuring that the justice system ran its course.

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