Current:Home > ContactMontana man sentenced to federal prison for threatening to kill US Sen. Jon Tester -Zenith Profit Hub
Montana man sentenced to federal prison for threatening to kill US Sen. Jon Tester
View
Date:2025-04-16 16:17:16
MISSOULA, Mont. (AP) — A Montana man was sentenced Thursday to 2 1/2 years in federal prison for threatening to kill U.S. Sen. Jon Tester in voicemails left at the Democratic lawmaker’s office.
Kevin Patrick Smith, of Kalispell, pleaded guilty in April to one count of threats to injure and murder a U.S. senator. U.S. District Judge Dana Christensen dismissed a second count as part of a plea agreement.
Smith, 46, made the threats because he was upset with Tester’s political decisions, court records said.
On Jan, 30, Smith made threatening phone calls to Tester’s office. The voicemails included threats to “rip your head off” and were laced with profanity. The caller acknowledged in a recording that he was threatening Tester “on purpose,” court records said. One voicemail challenged Tester to contact the FBI.
The FBI contacted Smith on Feb. 1 and told him to stop threatening the senator. But 10 days later, the threatening calls resumed, and Smith was arrested Feb. 22, the documents show.
The criminal complaint, which was later replaced by an indictment, said calls from Smith’s phone number to Tester’s office began in late 2022.
Tester is seeking his fourth term in the U.S. Senate. A third-generation farmer and former music teacher, Tester has leaned on a folksy speaking style and populist-themed messages to overcome Republican opponents in each of his last three elections.
A spokesperson for Tester, Harry Child, didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.
veryGood! (738)
Related
- 'Malcolm in the Middle’ to return with new episodes featuring Frankie Muniz
- A measure to repeal a private school tuition funding law in Nebraska will make the November ballot
- NHL Star Johnny Gaudreau, 31, and His Brother Matthew, 29, Dead After Biking Accident
- Home contract signings hit lowest since 2001 as house hunters losing hope
- Justice Department, Louisville reach deal after probe prompted by Breonna Taylor killing
- Banana Republic’s Labor Day Sale Has Fall Staples Starting at $18—Save up to 90% off Jackets & Sweaters
- Watch Travis Kelce annoy Christian McCaffrey in new Lowe's ad ahead of NFL season
- These Target Labor Day Deals Won’t Disappoint—Save up to 70% off Decor & Shop Apple, Keurig, Cuisinart
- Taylor Swift Eras Archive site launches on singer's 35th birthday. What is it?
- These Target Labor Day Deals Won’t Disappoint—Save up to 70% off Decor & Shop Apple, Keurig, Cuisinart
Ranking
- Juan Soto to be introduced by Mets at Citi Field after striking record $765 million, 15
- Fantasy author Brandon Sanderson breaks another Kickstarter record with Cosmere RPG
- J.Crew's Labor Day Sale Is Too Good To Be True: 85% Off With $8 Tank Tops, $28 Dresses & More
- From 'The Fall Guy' to Kevin Costner's 'Horizon,' 10 movies you need to stream right now
- From family road trips to travel woes: Americans are navigating skyrocketing holiday costs
- Court stops Pennsylvania counties from throwing out mail-in votes over incorrect envelope dates
- Georgia prosecutor accused of stealing public money pleads guilty in deal that includes resignation
- Carlos Alcaraz’s surprising US Open loss to Botic van de Zandschulp raises questions
Recommendation
Small twin
Police detain man Scotty McCreery accused of hitting woman at his Colorado concert
Catholic diocese sues US government, worried some foreign-born priests might be forced to leave
Defending champion Novak Djokovic is shocked at the US Open one night after Carlos Alcaraz’s loss
Finally, good retirement news! Southwest pilots' plan is a bright spot, experts say
Sister Wives' Robyn and Kody Brown List $1.65 Million Home for Sale
Ex-election workers want Rudy Giuliani’s apartment, Yankees rings in push to collect $148M judgment
A former slave taught Jack Daniel to make whiskey. Now his company is retreating from DEI.