At a glance:
- Teak Brockbank, 45, from Colorado, arrested for online threats against election officials.
- Accusations include death threats directed at election officials, judges, and law enforcement.
- Charges involve using social media platforms to transmit threats across state lines.
A Colorado man, Teak Brockbank, has been arrested following multiple online threats directed at election officials, judges, and law enforcement in both Colorado and Arizona. The arrest was announced by the Department of Justice on Monday, highlighting a crackdown on violent threats against public servants connected to elections.
Threats and Investigation
The threats, allegedly made between 2021 and 2022, involved “detailed death threats” and were primarily conveyed through conservative platforms Gab and Rumble. According to court documents, Brockbank, operating under the username “Teakty4u,” issued threats ahead of the midterm elections. In one instance, he suggested violence against a Colorado judge, stating he could “put a bullet” in the judge’s head.
Authorities also discovered text messages where Brockbank referenced a Colorado Supreme Court decision that barred former President Trump from appearing on the state’s ballot in 2024—a decision later overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court. Brockbank allegedly remarked that the judges involved were “added to [his] list.”
Legal Background
Brockbank’s legal troubles are compounded by a previous felony conviction, which, according to investigators, prohibits him from possessing firearms. The DOJ’s Election Threats Task Force, launched in mid-2021 to combat rising threats of violence against election workers, is handling the case.
Charges and Potential Penalties
Brockbank faces charges related to transmitting interstate threats and could be sentenced to up to five years in prison if found guilty. The DOJ’s response is part of a broader effort to ensure the safety of election officials amid increasing hostilities connected to election processes.
