Philadelphia man sentenced for poll worker threats

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A 42-year-old Philadelphia man has been sentenced to 10 months in federal prison for threatening to kill and skin alive a poll worker in western Pennsylvania following the 2024 presidential election. The threats were made in the aftermath of the contentious election and highlighted ongoing concerns about political violence and intimidation targeting election officials.

Why it matters

Threats and harassment against election workers have become an increasing concern in recent years, with many officials reporting feeling unsafe or intimidated while carrying out their civic duties. This case underscores the need to protect the integrity of the electoral process and ensure that all Americans can participate in elections without fear of retaliation.

The details

Authorities say the Philadelphia man, whose name is being withheld to protect the identity of the victim, made a series of threatening phone calls to a poll worker in western Pennsylvania in the weeks following the 2024 election. The calls included graphic threats to kill the poll worker and "skin them alive." The man was arrested and charged with making interstate communications with intent to threaten and extort.

• The threats were made in the weeks following the 2024 presidential election.
• The man was sentenced on March 31, 2026.

What’s next

The Department of Justice has vowed to continue investigating and prosecuting any threats or intimidation against election workers to protect the integrity of the democratic process.