Threats of political violence continue to mar the closing days of the 2024 election in Utah, following a year that saw an increased number of threats levied against elected officials.
Several candidates have spoken about the need to tone down the vitriol to reduce the risk of violence, including U.S. Senate candidates John Curtis and Caroline Gleich. Curtis told supporters at a town hall this week that politicians should emphasize truth and trust in systems, while Gleich said her campaign has been the subject of “a lot of sexist and hateful language” — language that should be condemned by leaders.
Just last month, Utah Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson’s staff was targeted by a suspicious letter filled with white powder. The letter, which was intercepted by the FBI in Reno, Nevada, was signed by the “United States Traitor Elimination Army.”
“This incident is the latest tactic in a nationwide trend of threats and intimidation toward election officials. But we will not be intimidated,” Henderson said at the time.