A 25-year-old Georgia man, Robert Davis Forney, has been indicted by a federal grand jury for allegedly making disturbing threats of sexual violence against U.S. Senators Ted Cruz and Deb Fischer, along with their family members. The allegations, made via voicemails, were reportedly left in late January. The case has drawn significant attention due to the threat against public officials, who are often targets of such actions. Law enforcement agencies and federal prosecutors have condemned the incidents, emphasizing the seriousness of crimes against elected representatives.
According to court documents, Forney called the office of Senator Ted Cruz, R-Texas, twice on January 9, leaving voicemails that allegedly contained threats of sexual violence. The following day, he called the office of Senator Deb Fischer, R-Neb., and left another voicemail with similar threats. The specific content of these threats has not been disclosed to the public. While the senator’s office has stated that it reports such threats to U.S. Capitol Police, the threat of violence against public figures remains a serious concern for both the government and the public.
U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg issued a statement condemning the actions, describing them as an act of violence that undermines the nation’s democracy. He emphasized that political disputes should not justify attacks against leaders. Similarly, FBI Atlanta Special Agent In Charge Paul Brown reiterated the seriousness of the situation, noting that there is no place for such threats in the United States. The investigation is part of Operation Take Back America, a broader initiative coordinated by the Department of Justice to address violent crimes and protect communities from perpetrators.
The case highlights the growing sensitivity of threats against public figures, particularly in the context of political discourse. While the exact nature of the threats has not been made public, the allegations have sparked discussions about the need for strict enforcement of laws against such crimes. As the investigation continues, authorities are likely to monitor the case closely, given its implications for both national security and the safety of elected officials.