Federal and state law enforcement arrested a New York man who admitted to threatening to kill Georgia Senate Republican candidate Mike Collins and his son-in-law after reading false information online, demonstrating how misinformation can fuel violent threats against elected officials.
Cross-State Investigation Leads to Buffalo Arrest
The FBI Buffalo Field Office, working alongside the Butts County Sheriff’s Office and Georgia Bureau of Investigation, arrested Anthony Lantrell Bennett in Buffalo, New York, on Friday. Investigators charged Bennett with two counts of terroristic threats after he allegedly sent messages threatening the lives of Collins and his son-in-law. The case began when Butts County Sheriff Gary Long received information about the death threats last week, triggering an investigation that quickly identified Bennett as the suspect and traced him to western New York.
During questioning, Bennett acknowledged sending the threatening messages. Investigators determined the threats stemmed from information Bennett read in an online story that was factually inaccurate. The case highlights growing concerns about how false narratives spread online can inspire real-world violence against public officials and their families. FBI Buffalo Special Agent-in-Charge Allen Davis emphasized that state lines provide no protection for those making violent threats.
Sheriff Draws Hard Line on Political Violence
Sheriff Long drew a sharp distinction between legitimate political disagreement and criminal threats. He stated that threatening to kill a public official or family member crosses beyond politics into criminal territory requiring serious consequences. The sheriff acknowledged understanding political disagreements but insisted certain boundaries cannot be violated. His office coordinated with federal partners to ensure swift action, traveling to Buffalo personally to assist in the arrest operation.
Collins responded on social media Monday, thanking law enforcement agencies for their rapid response in protecting his family. He referenced recent assassination attempts and security incidents involving political figures, expressing gratitude that threats against his household were addressed before escalating. Collins also criticized his Democratic opponent Jon Ossoff, whom he faces in November’s general election, suggesting inflammatory political rhetoric fuels violent extremists.
Political Rhetoric Under Scrutiny
The Georgia congressman argued that false accusations combined with heated political language create dangerous conditions for public officials. Collins called on his opponent to condemn political violence rather than contributing to an environment that might encourage it. He suggested Ossoff should apologize for rhetoric Collins believes contributes to threatening situations. The incident occurs as Collins secured the Republican nomination in June with President Trump’s endorsement, positioning him to challenge incumbent Senator Ossoff in a closely watched Senate race that could impact the chamber’s partisan balance.