Man arrested over death threats to conservative podcaster Benny Johnson as DOJ cracks down on violent political rhetoric

On Friday, Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the arrest of George Isabel Jr., who is accused of issuing threats against conservative commentator Benny Johnson. Authorities described the incident as a troubling copycat scheme inspired by the recent assassination of Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA.

Bondi reported that Isabel was apprehended after threatening to orphan Johnson’s children “just days following Charlie’s assassination.” This disclosure came during a press conference held in Florida.

“Benny received a threatening letter at his home where he and his wife, Kate, are nurturing their young family,” Bondi said outside the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Tampa. “The letter’s author expressed a deep hatred for Benny due to his political views and made it clear he desired Benny’s death.”

Isabel faces charges in federal court for mailing threatening letters, following his arrest that morning, Bondi stated.

According to Bondi, if found guilty, Isabel, whom she labeled a “left-wing radical,” could face significant prison time.

While speaking at the press conference, Johnson shared alarming details from the letter, highlighting the apparent political motivations behind the threat.

“The author elaborated on his reasons for wanting me dead: I was depicted as a white, cisgender Christian Trump supporter,” Johnson relayed. “He vividly described how I would be murdered in an open field, detailing the anticipated bloodshed that would follow.”

“He took pleasure in envisioning how my four children would be left orphaned and my wife would become a widow.”

Bondi emphasized, “We cannot allow such political violence to persist. This arrest serves as a crucial reminder—engage in this behavior, and we will locate you.”

The attorney general informed the public that similar incidents are occurring nationwide, with the Justice Department intensifying efforts to combat threatening communications.

“This individual thought he could evade justice and inflict harm on Benny and his family, but that will not occur,” she asserted. “We have active investigations around the country, and we are dedicated to finding those responsible.”

This arrest aligns with the Trump administration’s renewed focus on addressing political violence, specifically targeting groups like the far-left “Antifa” movement, which, according to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, is considered as organized as Hamas, ISIS, and MS-13.

Recently, Trump categorized this group as a domestic terrorist organization, following Kirk’s tragic passing.

Johnson, who shared a friendship with Kirk, highlighted his wish “to debate openly like Charlie without fear of assassination,” also calling on Democrats to “disavow” such violence.

Charlie Kirk, aged 31, was fatally shot while engaging with students during his “American Comeback” speaking tour at Utah Valley University on September 10.

Tyler Robinson, the alleged perpetrator, has been described as someone “deeply indoctrinated in leftist beliefs,” by Utah Governor Spencer Cox and other authorities investigating the incident.

“I aspire for peace in our nation; I cherish this country and hope to raise my family in a peaceful environment—this is our right,” Johnson declared. “Yet, as a Christian, one cannot seek harmony with those who wish to take your life.”

“I advocate for unity within our nation—a chance to agree on our commonalities rather than our differences. However, for this to happen, we must clearly recognize the struggle we face: good versus evil, light versus darkness.”