Federal prosecutors announced on Tuesday that an individual from Alabama has been indicted for allegedly making threats towards Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis and Fulton County Sheriff Patrick Labat.
A federal grand jury in Atlanta has indicted Arthur Ray Hanson, II, on charges of threatening Willis and Labat due to their involvement in the investigation of former President Donald Trump in Fulton County, Georgia. Hanson has already appeared in federal court in Huntsville and is scheduled for formal arraignment in Atlanta on November 13th.
U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan expressed his disgust towards the despicable act of sending interstate threats to harm prosecutors and law enforcement officers. He believes that such actions are intended to obstruct the administration of justice and intimidate those who have taken an oath to safeguard the rights of citizens. Buchanan also added that threatening public servants for carrying out their duties to enforce criminal laws could potentially weaken the foundation of our society. He assured that his office will work relentlessly with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to ensure that law enforcement officials can serve our communities without the fear of physical harm.
Keri Farley, the Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta, emphasized that any kind of threat against public servants is illegal and poses a threat to the democratic process. She further explained that the FBI’s primary mission is to safeguard the American people and uphold the Constitution. The agency takes this responsibility very seriously and strives to take action against those who engage in such criminal behavior. The FBI aims to convey a message that such conduct will not be tolerated, and those who commit such crimes will face severe consequences.
Hanson’s message to the Sheriff contained threatening statements regarding the potential mugshot of President Donald Trump. He warned that if the Sheriff took a mugshot of the President and was the reason for it, something bad could happen to them. Hanson also cautioned the Sheriff that their badge would not protect them from harm if they continued to interfere with the President. He added that taking a mugshot of the President could result in serious consequences for the Sheriff and that they should avoid risking their life. Hanson concluded his message by stating that anyone who took a mugshot of his President would face severe consequences.
Hanson’s message to the District Attorney contained several noteworthy statements. He advised the District Attorney to be cautious while going to the car or entering the house, and to remain vigilant wherever they go. Hanson also expressed his concern by stating that the District Attorney cannot always be surrounded by people who will protect them, and there will be moments of vulnerability. Additionally, he warned the District Attorney to be watchful whenever they are alone, especially after charging Trump on the fourth indictment. Hanson concluded by saying that whatever one puts out into the world comes back ten times harder, and it’s essential to remember this.
On October 25, 2023, Arthur Ray Hanson, II, who is 59 years old and from Huntsville, Alabama, was indicted. It’s important to note that the indictment only includes charges, and the defendant is considered innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is currently investigating this case.
The case is being prosecuted by Bret R. Hobson and Brent Alan Gray, who are both Assistant U.S. Attorneys.
