Man accused of sending death threat in voice mail to Republican candidate for governor Darren Bailey
CHICAGO (CBS) -- A Chicago man has been charged with threatening to "mutilate and kill" Republican candidate for governor Darren Bailey, in a voicemail message sent to Bailey's office last week.
Scott Lennox, 21, is charged with felony counts of threatening a public official, telephone harassment, and harassment by electronic communications.
According to a Chicago Police Department arrest report, Lennox called Bailey's office around 10:30 p.m. on Friday, in which he "threatened to mutilate and kill" Bailey, who is also an Illinois state senator.
The details in the voicemail are too disturbing to type out.
An assistant to Bailey listened to the message and called police. Illinois State Police traced the call to Lennox's cell phone, and when he was questioned by police, he admitted to threatening Bailey. He also admitted to bragging about it on social media, prosecutors said.
Lennox was arrested at his Chicago home on Monday at 10 p.m.
His bond was set at $75,000 Wednesday. The judge in bond court ordered Lennox not to have any contact with Bailey, his family, or his staff.
"Divisive, inflammatory, and misleading rhetoric is driving hatred across our state as some attempt to label political opponents as dangerous threats. Whether we agree or disagree on policies, we are all Americans. I pray this young man gets the help he needs. We must bring our state together and fight for the safety and prosperity of every Illinoisan," Bailey campaign spokesman Joe DeBose said in a statement.
His Democratic opponent, incumbent Gov. JB Pritzker, condemned the threat against Bailey in a tweet
"The violent rhetoric and division we're seeing across our country is unacceptable. Hatred in any form has no home in Illinois," Pritzker wrote.
The violent rhetoric and division we're seeing across our country is unacceptable. Hatred in any form has no home in Illinois. https://t.co/GBNxAA9KAE
— JB Pritzker (@JBPritzker) November 2, 2022
Illinois House Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch tweeted that "We need these violent threats to stop."
"Politicians on both sides of the aisle need to lower the rhetoric and bring back civility to our politics. I don't agree with Mr. Bailey's policies, but I want nothing but the best for him and his family," Welch wrote.
We need these violent threats to stop. Politicians on both sides of the aisle need to lower the rhetoric and bring back civility to our politics. I don’t agree with Mr. Bailey’s policies, but I want nothing but the best for him and his family. https://t.co/aXSbb85HIm
— Emanuel "Chris" Welch (@ChrisWelch_JD) November 2, 2022
Prosecutors said Lennox also mentioned he did not like Gov. Pritzker.
The next court appearance for Lennox is later this month.