Las Vegas Man Found Guilty of Threatening Prominent Public Officials

Jury convicts Spencer Gear on 20 of 22 counts related to threatening communications to officials across the country

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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A federal jury in Las Vegas has found Spencer Gear guilty of 20 out of 22 counts related to threatening multiple prominent public officials, including the Manhattan district attorney, a U.S. congressman, and several judges. Gear was accused of making a dozen threats from Nevada to victims across the country between 2023 and 2024, dealing with topics like the treatment of defendants in the January 6th attack, border policy, and transgender people.

Why it matters

This case highlights the growing concerns around political rhetoric and threats of violence directed at public officials. As political divisions deepen, there are fears that heated language could lead to real-world harm, prompting authorities to take such threats seriously. The conviction of Gear sends a strong message that making credible threats against government figures will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

The details

Prosecutors said Gear made detailed threats about how he would inflict violence on his victims, who took the threats seriously. Gear's defense argued that his statements were political messages and that he was just "ranting" without intending to carry out the threats. However, the jury ultimately found Gear guilty on the majority of the charges, which included threatening Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro, and several judges involved in cases related to former President Donald Trump.

  • The threats were made between 2023 and 2024.
  • The six-day trial took place in February 2026.

The players

Spencer Gear

A Las Vegas man who was found guilty of threatening multiple prominent public officials.

Alvin Bragg

The Manhattan district attorney who testified during the trial.

Joaquin Castro

A U.S. congressman who was the alleged victim for the counts on which Gear was found not guilty.

Lewis Kaplan

A U.S. District Judge who oversaw the civil case in which columnist E. Jean Carroll accused former President Donald Trump of damaging her reputation.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, Grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.