Conservative commentator Benny Johnson has raised alarms about political violence after receiving a threatening letter that fantasized about his assassination. The letter was sent to his home, where he lives with his wife and four young children. This incident comes just days after the tragic assassination of Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, who was a close friend of Johnson.
At a press conference alongside Attorney General Pam Bondi, Johnson revealed that the man behind the threat, George Russell Isbell Jr. from California, expressed a desire to see him dead because of his identity as a white, male, Christian Trump supporter. Johnson described the chilling details in the letter, which included graphic imagery of violence, stating, “They described in great detail how I’d be killed in an open field, just like Charlie.”
Johnson criticized the Democratic Party, claiming that violence has become mainstream within the group. He pointed to a Virginia candidate, Jay Jones, who has also made violent remarks about Republicans. Johnson questioned whether any Democrats would denounce such violence, stating, “Is any Democrat courageous enough to disavow violence?”
The threatening letter, which was mailed on September 18, included disturbing language, saying Johnson needed “to be exterminated” and referenced Kirk’s assassination. It included lines like, “Maybe someone will blow your head off!!! We can hope!” Isbell faces up to five years in prison for his actions.
Johnson’s wife, Kate, also called out California Governor Gavin Newsom, asking if he would disavow the actions of the man who threatened her family. She tweeted directly at Newsom, questioning whether he found the threat acceptable.
Bondi emphasized Johnson’s role as a media personality who shares values similar to those of Kirk, highlighting the cowardice of the individual who sent the letter. She noted that the threat was a direct attack on Johnson’s beliefs and his family.
As the situation unfolds, it raises serious concerns about the increasing rhetoric and actions surrounding political violence in the United States.
