A New York man allegedly threatened to kill Georgia Rep. Mike Collins after becoming angry over what he described as an “inaccurate” article published online, federal authorities said.
Anthony Lantrell Bennett was arrested in Buffalo after allegedly sending a terroristic threat targeting the Republican congressman and his son-in-law last week, according to the FBI and the Butts County Sheriff’s Office, which announced the arrest Monday.
“I understand politics. I understand disagreements. But there is a line that cannot be crossed,” Butts County Sheriff Gary Long said.
“Threatening to kill a public official or his family is not politics — it is a criminal act, and we will take it seriously and hold those responsible accountable just as we did in this case,” Long added.
Investigators have not disclosed the exact wording of the message, how it was delivered or which platform was used. The FBI said Bennett allegedly admitted during questioning that he sent the threat after reading an online article he believed was “inaccurate.”
Authorities have not identified the article or explained what specifically provoked Bennett. CNN reported in July, however, that Collins’ son-in-law, David Alan Scheer II, had previously shared antisemitic and white nationalist rhetoric.
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“No American should have to worry that their home could be the next Butler, Pennsylvania or Utah Valley University,” Collins said in a statement after Bennett’s arrest.
“I’m grateful to the FBI, the Butts County Sheriff’s Department, and all law enforcement partners for acting quickly to protect my family,” he added.
Collins, who is campaigning for a U.S. Senate seat, also criticized his Democratic opponent, Sen. Jon Ossoff, accusing him of portraying Collins as a “monster.”
“When you mix false accusations with inflammatory rhetoric, it fuels the lunatics who want to settle political disagreements with violence,” Collins said.
Ossoff responded by saying he “condemns all threats of violence.”
Ossoff currently leads Collins by nine percentage points, according to a polling average compiled by Decision Desk HQ.
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