Man Arrested for Making Threats to Arizona Election Office

An Alabama man was arrested today in Cullman, Alabama, for allegedly sending threatening messages to election workers with Maricopa County Elections in Phoenix.

Brian Jerry Ogstad, 59, of Cullman, made his initial appearance today at the federal courthouse in Huntsville.

“As alleged in the indictment, Brian Ogstad sent threatening messages to a social media account maintained by the Maricopa County Elections office. After referencing claims of voter fraud in Arizona’s 2022 gubernatorial race, Ogstad allegedly made a number of threats to election workers and officials, including that they were ‘dead’ and ‘stupid if you think your lives are safe,’” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Public servants who administer our elections — the cornerstone of our democracy — must be able to do their jobs without fear. The Criminal Division will continue to aggressively investigate and prosecute those who target election officials and workers with threats of violence.”

Read more: Department of Justice