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Assassination Threat Against Lawmakers Leads To Charge

Prosecutors allege an October social media post targeted four people.

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A federal threats charge carries a maximum five-year prison sentence upon conviction. Illustrative image.

TAMPA, Fla. — A Palm Harbor man faces a federal charge over an alleged assassination threat against four people, including two congressmembers.

Robert Odell Potts, 58, faces a charge of interstate communication of threats to injure and kill, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida announced Friday.

The indictment alleges Potts posted the assassination threat on social media Oct. 28, saying he would kill the four individuals that day.

The alleged targets included two sitting members of the U.S. House of Representatives and two other individuals. The department did not identify the lawmakers.

Prosecutors allege the social media post constituted a true threat. The department did not specify which platform Potts allegedly used.

If convicted, Potts faces five years in federal prison.

The charges are allegations. Potts is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

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