A Kentucky lawyer was arrested after making multiple threats against Democratic Governor Andy Beshear under an online pseudonym.
Attorney James Troutman, 53, of Louisville, Kentucky used Facebook to make his threats.
James Troutman posted under the name "Greg Troutman."
News of the lawyer's threats come on the heels of an Evangelical Christian church in Louisville suing the Governor over pandemic containment measures. The church's lawsuit was tossed out by a federal judge on Saturday.
Police charged him with misdemeanor "third-degree terroristic threatening."
On April 15, Troutman wrote in a Facebook status:
"Maybe some should ask Beshear in a press conference about his thoughts on William Goebel. For those of you who don't know the history...it's a good read..."
The lawyer was referring to William Goebel, Kentucky's 34th elected Governor, who was assassinated the day prior to his inauguration after a contentious election.
Law enforcement officers approached Troutman about the statement.
He confessed it was his before diving into a long explanation of Goebel's history.
But this wasn't the only statement that would get Troutman in trouble.
Officers would later uncover an exchange between the lawyer and another Facebook user.
Speaking about an upcoming event protesting Beshear's stay-at-home order, Troutman's associate asked:
"Will the Gov be there shooting plates???"
Troutman reportedly replied:
"With any luck the Gov will be the one at whom the shooting will be directed."
Law enforcement officers said Troutman's statements expressed an intent to commit acts "likely to result in death or serious physical injury to the Kentucky governor."
They arrested him on a $5000 bond which, even if paid, will require him to stay at home and off the internet. Steve Romines, who is representing Troutman in court, says he is "not a threat."
He also commented:
"What's more unhelpful and ridiculous is saying it's a crime and arresting him for it. To put him in jail over a Facebook post that doesn't meet the definition of terroristic threatening is absurd."
Though a small group of vocal conservatives mounted heavily armed protests against stay-at-home orders protecting the public's health, polls have shown the majority of Americans are more worried social distancing will end too early rather than too late.
But even if you don't agree with Governor Beshear's decisions, threats of violence are never the answer. A lawyer who has dedicated their life to studying the law should certainly know that.
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