Leander man sentenced to prison for threatening Georgia officials after 2020 election

On Wednesday, a Leander man was sentenced to two years in prison for

According to the United States Department of Justice, 55-year-old Chad Christopher Stark posted the message to Craigslist following the 2020 election. On Jan. 5, he posted the message entitled, “Georgia Patriots it’s time to kill [Official A] the Chinese agent - $10,000.”

The message contained multiple threats, and stated the following:

Georgia Patriots it’s time for us to take back our state from these Lawless treasonous traitors. It’s time to invoke our Second Amendment right it’s time to put a bullet in the treasonous Chinese [Official A]. Then we work our way down to [Official B] the local and federal corrupt judges. It’s our duty as American Patriots to put an end to the lives of these traitors and take back our country by force we can no longer wait on the corrupt law enforcement in the corrupt courts. If we want our country back we have to exterminate these people. One good loyal Patriot deer hunter in camo and a rifle can send a very clear message to these corrupt governors.. milita up Georgia it’s time to spill blood. we need to pay a visit to [Official C] and her family as well and put a bullet her behind the ears. Let’s be very clear to our local law enforcement who have stood down and watch BLM antifa destroy our country and kill our citizens yet you’ll step up to stop Patriot supporters you’ll enforce face mask and you’ll close American businesses??? Remember one thing local law enforcement the key word being local.. we will find you oathbreakers and we’re going to pay your family to visit your mom your dad your brothers and sisters your children your wife we’re going to make examples of traitors to our country death to you and all you communist friends.

FBI Director Christopher Way emphasized the importance of protecting democracy by protecting public servants and officials.

“Christopher Stark threatened the lives of multiple election workers in an attempt to prevent them from doing their job,” Way said. “[Wednesday]’s sentencing demonstrates the FBI’s resolute commitment to securing American elections from any attempts to undermine their integrity.”

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Special Agent in Charge Keri Farley of the FBI Atlanta Field Office said that the First Amendment does not allow people to send death threats.

“Sending death threats and urging others to act is not protected speech — it is a crime,” Farley said. “The sentencing of Stark is a warning to all that those who attempt to undermine American democracy will be held criminally accountable.”

The case is a part of the Justice Department’s Election Threats Task Force, which had led efforts to address threats of violence against election workers.

To report suspected threats or violent acts, contact your local FBI office and request to speak with the Election Crimes Coordinator. Contact information can be found . You may also contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324) or file an online complaint at