Conservative influencer Benny Johnson has accused the Democratic Party of “mainstreaming violence as a political tool” following the arrest of a man who allegedly sent him a death threat.
The remarks came during a Justice Department press conference in Florida, led by Attorney General Pam Bondi, who announced the suspect’s arrest.
At the event, Johnson detailed the terrifying experience of receiving a graphic letter that threatened the lives of both him and his family. He blamed what he described as the “rhetoric of hate and violence” coming from Democratic politicians.
“We must understand the battle we are fighting, good versus evil, darkness versus light, and good must conquer evil,” Johnson said at the conference. “Do not make peace with evil.”
Pam Bondi confirmed that a man named George Russell Isbell Jr. had been arrested in San Diego on October 7 in connection with the letter. She said Isbell has been charged with a federal crime for allegedly sending the threatening communication through the mail.
According to Bondi, the letter prosecutors say Isbell sent to Johnson contained graphic insults and violent imagery. The message reportedly referred to the influencer as “Charlie Kirk Jr.” and accused him and his “fellow WHITE MAGA podcasters” of being racists and pedophiles. The author went on to say Johnson should be “exterminated,” adding, “Maybe someone will blow your head off!!! We can hope.” The letter also taunted, “Planning any public engagements?”
Bondi called the communication a “clear act of political hatred” and vowed that her office would pursue similar cases with full force. “If anyone is sending a threatening communication through the mail like they did to Benny Johnson, we’re going to find them and we’re going to prosecute them,” Bondi said. “It doesn’t matter what side of the aisle you’re on.”
CNN reported that it could not immediately identify a lawyer for Isbell Jr. following his arrest.
During the press conference, Bondi emphasized that political violence must be condemned regardless of ideology. She cited recent attacks on both Republican and Democratic figures, including the killing of Minnesota state Rep. Melissa Hortman, who was assassinated in a shooting at her home in June.
The event also touched on the administration’s broader campaign against Antifa, which officials have labeled an “existential threat.” Former President Donald Trump recently designated Antifa as a domestic terrorist organization, vowing to use the full power of the federal government to “bring down” extremist factions.
“Antifa operates like major gangs and drug cartels,” Trump said during a recent White House meeting with Bondi and top security officials.
However, as CNN and other outlets have noted, Antifa is not a formal organization with leadership or a national structure. The term is broadly used to describe decentralized groups of left-wing activists and anarchists who often appear at protests opposing government or police actions.
Johnson’s allegations against Democrats align with a growing narrative among conservatives that left-wing rhetoric and activism are fostering political hostility. He framed the issue as a moral and cultural conflict, declaring that the country must “stand up to evil.”
Bondi referred to Isbell Jr. as a “left-wing radical” and reiterated her office’s commitment to prosecuting anyone involved in political intimidation. “We will not tolerate threats, regardless of political alignment,” she stated.
Johnson, a popular conservative content creator known for his commentary on social media and The Benny Show, closed his remarks by urging Americans to reject violence and “stand for truth.”
His emotional plea underscored how the rising tide of political aggression has moved beyond online discourse into real-world consequences – a reality now shaping America’s increasingly polarized political landscape.
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