Man Charged with Threatening Arizona and Colorado Election Officials

Teak Brockbank, 45, of Cortez, faces federal charges for allegedly making death threats against election officials in Arizona and Colorado.Photo byJohn SchnobrichonUnsplash

A Colorado man is set to make his initial appearance today at the federal courthouse in Durango, Colorado, on charges linked to a series of online threats against election officials in Colorado and Arizona, a state judge, and federal law enforcement agents, according to the Department of Justice (DOJ).

Teak Brockbank, 45, was arrested on Aug. 23 in his hometown of Cortez.

“We allege that the defendant made detailed death threats against election officials, judges, and law enforcement officers,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “Violent threats against public servants are a danger to our democracy, and the arrest and charges announced today make clear that the Justice Department will see to it that perpetrators answer for their actions.”

According to the charges, between September 2021 and August 2022, Brockbank allegedly used two social media accounts to post messages threatening various public officials.

On Aug. 4, 2022, he allegedly posted a message referring to election officials in Arizona and Colorado, stating: “Once those people start getting put to death then the rest will melt like snowflakes and turn on each other. This is the only way. So those of us that have the stomach for what has to be done should prepare our minds for what we all are going to do!!!!!! It is time.”

Brockbank is also accused of threatening a Colorado state judge on Oct. 2, 2021. In that post, he allegedly wrote: “I could pick up my rifle and I could go put a bullet in this Man’s head and send him to explain himself to our Creator right now. I would be Justified!!! Not only justified but obligated by those in my family who fought and died for the freedom in this country. What can I do other than kill this man myself?”

Brockbank faces charges of transmitting interstate threats. If convicted, he could face up to five years in federal prison.

The case against Brockbank remains ongoing, and further details are expected to emerge as the legal process unfolds, according to DOJ.

Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri emphasized the importance of allowing public servants to perform their duties without fear, stating, “Public servants must be able to do their jobs without fear. The Criminal Division will continue to aggressively investigate and prosecute those who target public officials with threats of violence.”

Notably, A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.