Rep. Banks: Federal Authorities Refused to Prosecute Individual Who Threatened Family

Rep. Jim Banks, R-Ind., is questioning the decision of the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana to not prosecute a man who threatened him and his family, leaving the case to a local district attorney instead.

In a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland, Banks asked why the federal attorney, who normally handles threats to members of Congress, did not take action, as reported by ABC News.

The man, Aaron Thompson of Fort Wayne, was sentenced to two years of probation after admitting to the threats. Banks mentioned voicemails in which Thompson threatened violence against his family.

Despite clear evidence of federal law violation, the U.S. Attorney for Northern District of Indiana declined to prosecute Thompson, according to Banks.

Banks highlighted the inconsistency in the Department of Justice’s response to threats against members of Congress, citing a case involving Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., where charges were pursued.

In a recent opinion piece for The Washington Post, Garland condemned political violence and emphasized the importance of civil discourse in democracy.

No response has been received from the DOJ regarding Banks’ letter, and ABC News has also not received a comment on the matter.