A Las Vegas man, Spencer Christjencody Gear, has been convicted by a jury for threatening to assault and murder federal officials and state employees in Washington, D.C., New York, and Montana.
According to court records and evidence presented during the trial, between November 30, 2023, and July 7, 2024, Gear made several threatening phone calls and sent an email targeting eight federal officials—including judges—and three state employees. The threats were intended to intimidate the officials as they performed their duties and retaliate against them for actions taken in their official capacities.
After a six-day trial, Gear was found guilty on nine counts of threatening a federal official and 11 counts of transmitting communications containing threats to injure. Sentencing is set for June 1, 2026 before United States District Judge Jennifer A. Dorsey. Each count of threatening a federal official carries a maximum penalty of ten years in prison; each count of transmitting a threat to injure carries up to five years.
“This verdict affirms a core principle: the First Amendment protects free speech, but it does not protect threats,” said Executive Assistant United States Attorney Summer Johnson for the District of Nevada. “The defendant’s calls and email were made to instill fear and included threats to assault and kill federal officials, judges, and state employees. This verdict makes clear that this conduct crosses a legal line.”
“Threats of violence are never just words—they are serious federal crimes, and the FBI takes every threat seriously,” said Special Agent in Charge Christopher S. Delzotto for the FBI Las Vegas Division. “Spreading fear and intimidation has no place in our community. Our commitment is unwavering: any threat, whether spoken or written, will be investigated thoroughly. We stand firm in protecting our public servants and ensuring that those who seek to harm others are held accountable.”
The announcement was made by Executive Assistant United States Attorney Johnson; Special Agent in Charge Delzotto; Marshal Gary Schofield for the U.S. Marshals Service; and Chief Michael G. Sullivan for the U.S. Capitol Police.
The case was investigated by the FBI, U.S. Marshals Service, and U.S. Capitol Police. Assistant United States Attorneys Jacob Operskalski and Daniel Schiess prosecuted the case.
