⏱ 2 min read
Daniel Alan Verbanec, a 47-year-old from Bozeman, Montana, made aggressive online threats against elected officials, including Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio, and showed up at the state capitol building in Helena, demanding to speak to Gov. Greg Gianforte. In January 2025, a special agent with the United States Capitol Police reported Verbanec’s violent threats on social media platform X to the FBI. Verbanec claimed the government was trying to kidnap and kill his family and had a history of making threats, including against then-U.S. Sen. Jon Tester and Pres. Joe Biden.
Months later, in October 2025, Verbanec traveled to Helena and arrived at the state capitol building, where he demanded to speak to Gov. Gianforte. He told the governor’s staff that Gianforte was trying to kill him and his family and that the governor was responsible for the murder of Charlie Kirk. Verbanec also announced plans to travel to Bozeman to confront the governor, prompting officers to escort him from the building and contact the governor’s security detail.
Verbanec pleaded guilty in February 2026 to one count of threatening to murder or assault a United States official. U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided over the case, which was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and investigated by the FBI. Verbanec was sentenced to 14 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release.
The case highlights the growing concern of threats against elected officials and the importance of law enforcement agencies working together to prevent violence. The FBI and US Capitol Police played a crucial role in investigating and bringing Verbanec to justice.
📋 Key Facts
- Crime: Violent Crime
- Defendant: Montana
- Location: MT
- Source: DOJ Press Release
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