It's Over.
We just left the Federal Courthouse in Tampa. The California man who threatened the lives of my wife, my 4 children, and myself in explicit detail was just sentenced after pleading guilty: 11 months in federal prison. 2 years probation. Restraining order.
Kate and I delivered victim statements to the court. The Judge did a profound job of reasoning through the sentencing and explaining the weight of rising political violence and its effect on our Constitutional freedoms. The Judge wanted this case to be a deterrence for others who would terrorize a family.
That is why we’re sharing this today...
George Isabell sent a letter to my house a week after Charlie was murdered, threatening to blow my head off in front of my family. This letter, compounded with a multitude of other physical threats at our doorstep had my wife terrified. Our kids were scared. We had to hire security. New cameras. Gates. We had police outside our house for months. My kids were forced to shelter inside out of fear for their safety. This is terrorism.
This type of evil has no place in any civil society. Having a different opinion shouldn't put a target on your back. We thank the judge for ruling in favor of our God-given liberties. We thank you deeply for all the prayers and messages you've sent in support of our family.
As a Christian, I encourage you all not to harbor hate. Choose forgiveness. We forgive this man. And we leave justice in the hands of righteous men to wield for the terror of evil men.
"For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason."
-- Romans 13