Crime
George Isbell Jr arrested and charged federally for threatening to kill Benny Johnson
TAMPA, Fla. — The U.S. Department of Justice announced that George Russell Isbell Jr., 69, of San Diego, California, has been charged with mailing a threatening communication following an investigation led by federal and local law enforcement agencies.
Isbell was arrested on October 7 in San Diego and is currently in federal custody pending court proceedings.
According to the criminal complaint, on or about September 18, Isbell allegedly mailed a letter from San Diego to a media personality in Tampa, Florida, containing explicit and violent threats.
The correspondence reportedly stated that the victim “needed to be exterminated” and included disturbing references to the recent killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk during a public event on a college campus.
The letter further contained graphic language expressing a desire for violence, including statements such as, “Maybe someone will blow your head off! We can hope! Planning any public engagements? Love to see your head explode and your blood stain the concrete red.”
If convicted, Isbell faces a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison. Sentencing will be determined by a federal judge following consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi commended the coordinated effort that led to Isbell’s arrest, stating:
“Thanks to the incredible teamwork between state, local, and federal law enforcement, this coward hiding behind a keyboard was taken into custody and charged federally for mailing threatening communications. We cannot allow this political violence to continue any longer. This arrest will serve as a reminder to many — do not do this, we will find you and bring you to justice.”
FBI Director Kash Patel reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to combating threats of violence, noting:
“The FBI and our partners will not tolerate threats of violence like the kind allegedly made by the defendant about a media personality. 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.”
U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe for the Middle District of Florida emphasized the seriousness of the case, stating:
“Unfortunately, a rise in political threats has been accompanied by a rise in political violence. We take all threats of violence seriously and will continue to respond in close coordination with our law enforcement partners and prosecute the authors of such threatening communications.”
The investigation was conducted by the FBI Tampa Field Office and the Tampa Police Department, with assistance from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
Additional support was provided by the FBI San Diego Field Office, the San Diego Police Department, and the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office.
The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Wheeler III for the Middle District of Florida.
Officials remind the public that a criminal complaint is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Authorities are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred early Saturday morning during a domestic altercation at an apartment on Mel Smith Road, located in an unincorporated area outside New Albany.
The Floyd County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) received the initial emergency call at approximately 5:39 a.m. on November 15, 2025, reporting a disturbance involving family members.
While officers were en route, additional information indicated that shots had been fired inside the residence.
Upon arrival, deputies encountered a domestic situation involving a mother and her two adult sons.
Officers immediately secured the scene and began administering medical aid to one of the men who had sustained gunshot wounds.
The second male remained at the location and cooperated fully with responding officers.
The injured individual was transported to a nearby hospital; however, he later died as a result of his injuries.
Detectives with the Floyd County Criminal Investigations Division (CID) have taken over the case and processed the scene for evidence.
Early findings suggest the shooting may have occurred in self-defense, though officials emphasize that the investigation is still in its preliminary stages.
The Floyd County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the incident was isolated and that there is no ongoing threat to the public.
Authorities state that additional updates will be released as the investigation progresses and more information becomes available.
The case remains active.