A 69-year-old man from San Diego has been charged with mailing threatening communications targeting conservative commentator Benny Johnson, including explicit threats to kill him, his wife, and their four children. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced federal charges against George Isbell Jr., who allegedly sent a violent letter expressing hatred for Johnson’s political views.
The letter, dated September 18, described Johnson as needing “to be exterminated” and referenced the recent assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, whom Isbell claimed he hoped would “strangle the life out of you.” The message also included graphic threats about violently harming Johnson’s family, stating, “Maybe someone will blow your head off!!! We can hope!”
Isbell was arrested on October 7 and faces up to five years in prison if convicted. Bondi emphasized the DOJ’s commitment to addressing political violence, stating, “We cannot allow this political violence to continue any longer.” FBI Director Kash Patel also condemned the threats, vowing to hold perpetrators accountable.
Johnson publicly thanked President Trump, Bondi, and the Department of Justice for their swift response, calling the incident a stark example of escalating left-wing hostility. The case is being prosecuted by the Middle District of Florida’s U.S. Attorney’s office, with assistance from multiple law enforcement agencies.
The FBI Tampa Field Office and local authorities are investigating the threats, which have sparked warnings about rising political violence targeting individuals for their beliefs.