Prosecutors say a group resentful about the restrictions imposed by the pandemic planned to kidnap her and hold a trial accusing her "treason."
However, the case did not surprise many women legislators and people who monitor such attacks. It is common for women to be victimized by candidates and public officials, especially those of color. It has been increasing in recent years.
Here are some examples:
BOSTON MAYOR MICHELLE WO
Wu, who is Taiwanese-American, has been subject to what city officials have called "relentless threats and hateful attacks" since her election in November. Nearly daily protests were held outside Wu's home . Some began in the early hours of the morning with bullhorns and drums. Other lawmakers described them as "openly racist and anti-Asian" and "sexist rhetoric."
IOWA GOV. KIM REYNOLDS
In early 2021, a man called Reynolds and said she should be "hung from treason" or face a firing squad for imposing pandemic restraints, calling COVID-19 "scam". The Iowa Department of Public Safety announced plans to build a $400,000 wall around Reynolds' residence, citing "widespread, alarming" threats.
CHICAGO MAYOR LORI LIGHTFOOT
After police claimed that he drove past or walked towards Lightfoot's house 15 times in the space of days, a man was arrested for recklessly discharge of a weapon and stalking. Lightfoot is Black, and gay. Police say the 37-year old was upset about traffic tickets and had a gun with a cartridge in his chamber when he was stopped by police last month. The suspect later returned and police say that he fired the weapon near Lightfoot's home.
DR. AMY ATON, OHIO PUBLIC HEALTH DIRECTOR - AN EX-OHIO PUBLIC HEALTH DIRECTOR
Acton, who was the GOP governor at beginning of the pandemic , resigned in June 2020. She had been subject to lawsuits and protesters, some with guns, outside her home. Acton, a Jew, was also confronted by antisemitic remarks at demonstrations and a lawmaker referred to her with an antisemitic phrase.
NEVADA GOV. NEVADA GOV.
Two men made racist threats to the Sisolaks last month, according to the Democratic governor. Kathy Sisolak, who is of Chinese descent, was born in Nevada. According to the governor, the men followed them from a Las Vegas restaurant shouting insults, taunts, and anti-government statements.
KRISTINA LAWSON is the PRESIDENT of CALIFORNIA’S MEDICAL BOARD
Lawson stated that in December, four men approached her as she was leaving her office. Police were called to her house by anti-vaccine activists who followed her as she drove her children to school.
U.S. REP. ILHANOMAR OF MINNESOTA
Omar, who was born Somalia, claims she is frequently threatened with death and harassed because of her Muslim faith. Omar has called out Trump and other GOP lawmakers for their Islamaphobic attacks. She recorded a voicemail late last year at a news conference in which she was called a "jihadist", "bitch", and a traitor and told that she would not live long.
MICHIGAN SEECRETARY OF STATE, JOCELYN BENSON
Benson, Michigan's chief election officer, claimed that a group of people carrying guns and signs reading "Stop the Steal," showed up at her house in December 2020 to watch a movie with her 4-year old daughter. She claimed that protesters shouted obscenities into bullhorns in anger at what they wrongly believed was voter fraud, leading to Trump's defeat in 2020.
STATE'S ATTORNEY KIM FXX, COOK COUNTY ILLINOIS
Foxx was repeatedly threatened with death after Jussie Smollett's charges were dropped against her. Jussie, who starred in the television series "Empire", was convicted last January of lying about having been the victim of an antigay, racist attack. Her office stated that Foxx was Black and received threats including "racially-charged language".
HEIDI HARMON - THE FORMER MAYOR of SAN LUIS OBISPO (CALIFORNIA)
Harmon posted a 2020 Facebook message in which she condemned the harassment she was subject to. He called out the "rudeness and threats to my children", body shaming, body shaming, rude/threatening remarks towards them, and many other things. Hours later, he tried force his way into her City Hall office. A city employee was beaten to death by him. Another staff member restrained him, and he was taken into custody.
