In a powerful announcement that sent a clear message to political extremists, Attorney General Pam Bondi revealed Friday that federal authorities have arrested a man who mailed death threats to conservative journalist and commentator Benny Johnson — just days after the shocking assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk.
Speaking at a press conference in Tampa, Florida, Bondi made it clear that the Department of Justice under President Trump is taking a zero-tolerance approach to political violence and intimidation against conservatives. “Just days after Charlie’s assassination, Benny received a letter at his home where he and Kate are raising their beautiful, young family,” Bondi said. “The author of this letter made it very clear that he hated Benny because of his views — and he wanted Benny dead.”
The suspect, identified as 47-year-old George Isbell Jr., was taken into custody Friday morning and charged federally with mailing threatening communications — a serious crime that carries significant prison time. “This was a coward hiding behind a keyboard who thought he could get away with it,” Bondi declared. “That’s why we’re standing up here today. You are not going to get away with threatening people in this way. If you try, we will find you.”
Bondi went on to emphasize that the DOJ will not sit idly by while left-wing radicals terrorize conservatives for exercising free speech. “We cannot allow this political violence to continue any longer,” she said. “This arrest will serve as a reminder to many: do not do this. We will find you.”
FBI Director Kash Patel echoed that sentiment in a statement released by the DOJ. “The FBI and our partners will not tolerate threats of violence like the kind allegedly made by the defendant about a media personality,” Patel said. “We will continue to investigate, pursue, and find those responsible for this conduct and ensure such criminals are held to full account in our justice system.”
For Benny Johnson, the arrest comes as both a relief and a wake-up call. The popular conservative host took to X to thank the Trump administration for acting quickly to protect his family. “An individual has been arrested for threatening to kill my wife, my four children, and me,” Johnson wrote. “He sent a letter to my home saying he hated our views and wanted us dead. He is being charged federally and faces prison time. I want to thank President Trump, AG Pam Bondi, and the Department of Justice for immediately acting and saving my family. We are forever grateful.”
Johnson also issued a fiery message to the radical left. “Left-wing violence is exploding with copycats appearing everywhere,” he warned. “It is the greatest threat to our country today, targeting people for simply speaking the truth. Let me be absolutely clear: we will not be silenced. We will not back down. We will not break. You lit a fire that cannot be put out.”
Concluding his remarks, Johnson honored the memory of his friend and mentor Charlie Kirk, whose assassination has galvanized conservatives nationwide. “Charlie taught us to go on offense,” Johnson said. “That’s exactly what we’ll do. We’ll work harder, speak louder, and grow stronger — for Charlie.”
Under President Trump and AG Bondi’s leadership, one thing is certain: America’s conservatives are fighting back — and this time, justice is on their side.
