Why mention Charlie Kirk’s death? Inside George Russell Isbell Jr.’s graphic letter to Benny Johnson

The U.S. Department of Justice has charged George Russell Isbell Jr., a 69-year-old man from San Diego, California, for allegedly mailing a threatening letter to a conservative media personality in Tampa, Florida. The letter, filled with violent imagery and political hostility, not only threatened the recipient’s life but also referenced the recent death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was killed earlier this year during a public engagement at a college campus.

According to the criminal complaint, Isbell mailed the handwritten threat on or around September 18, 2025, from San Diego. The letter was directed at a Florida-based commentator known for his conservative views. Prosecutors described it as one of the most graphic and hate-driven communications received by a media personality in recent months.

Inside the Letter: Hate, Death Threats, and Charlie Kirk’s Tragic Death

The letter’s language was both personal and ideological, mixing political venom with violent fantasies. According to federal investigators, Isbell told his victim that he “needed to be exterminated” and expressed a desire to see him killed in public. The letter read in part:

“I hope the American flag strangles the life out of you. Maybe someone will blow your head off!!! We can hope! Planning any public engagements? Love to see your head explode and your blood stain the concrete red. What a sight!”

Even more chilling was the reference to Charlie Kirk, the conservative activist and founder of Turning Point USA, who was killed during a speaking engagement on a college campus. The letter mentioned Kirk as one of the victim’s “friends,” implying that his death was part of a broader pattern of violence targeting conservative figures.

“One of your friends, Mr. Charlie Kirk, has already been killed during a public engagement on a college campus,” the letter read.

Federal authorities said the invocation of Kirk’s death showed that Isbell was motivated by deep-seated political animosity and a desire to amplify fear among conservative commentators and activists.

DOJ and FBI Condemn Escalating Political Violence

Announcing Isbell’s arrest, Attorney General Pamela Bondi described the act as “cowardly and criminal,” noting that such threats contribute to the growing culture of political violence in the United States.

“Thanks to the incredible teamwork between state, local, and federal law enforcement, this coward hiding behind a keyboard was taken into custody and charged federally for mailing threatening communications,” Bondi said. “We cannot allow this political violence to continue any longer.”

FBI Director Kash Patel echoed the sentiment, warning that any threats against public figures will be met with swift action.

“We will not tolerate threats of violence like the kind allegedly made by the defendant,” Patel said. “Such behavior is not free speech — it’s criminal intimidation, and it will be prosecuted.”

Investigators Trace Letter from San Diego to Tampa

The investigation was conducted by the FBI Tampa Field Office, the Tampa Police Department, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, with assistance from San Diego law enforcement. Digital tracking and forensic analysis of the envelope led investigators to Isbell’s residence, where he was arrested on October 7.

U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe for the Middle District of Florida said that the case reflects a disturbing escalation in politically motivated hostility.

“Unfortunately, a rise in political threats has been accompanied by a rise in political violence,” Kehoe said. “We take every threat seriously and will continue to prosecute those responsible.”

Legal Proceedings and Possible Sentence

If convicted, Isbell faces a maximum of five years in federal prison. The Justice Department noted that the complaint remains an allegation and that Isbell is presumed innocent until proven guilty. The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Wheeler III.

Charlie Kirk’s Death and the Broader Context

The reference to Charlie Kirk’s killing adds gravity to the incident. Kirk’s death at a university event earlier this year shocked both supporters and critics alike, igniting renewed debate about the dangers facing public figures in politically polarized spaces.

Authorities have not indicated that Isbell had any direct link to Kirk’s death, but investigators said the mention was a deliberate attempt to amplify fear and politicize tragedy.

This latest arrest underscores the federal government’s growing focus on curbing politically motivated threats — whether directed at liberal or conservative voices.

The DOJ statement in full:

The Justice Department today announced a criminal complaint charging George Russell Isbell Jr., 69, of San Diego, with mailing a threatening communication. Isbell was arrested on Oct. 7 in San Diego.

“Thanks to the incredible teamwork between state, local, and federal law enforcement, this coward hiding behind a keyboard was taken into custody and charged federally for mailing threatening communications,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “We cannot allow this political violence to continue any longer. This arrest will serve as a reminder to many – do not do this, we will find you and bring you to justice.”

“The FBI and our partners will not tolerate threats of violence like the kind allegedly made by the defendant about a media personality,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “We will continue to investigate, pursue, and find those responsible for this conduct and ensure such criminals are held to full account in our justice system.”

“Unfortunately, a rise in political threats has been accompanied by a rise in political violence,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe for the Middle District of Florida. “We take all threats of violence seriously and will continue to respond in close coordination with our law enforcement partners and prosecute the authors of such threatening communications.”

According to the complaint, on or about Sept. 18, Isbell mailed a letter from San Diego threatening to injure his victim, a media personality located in Tampa, Florida, and telling his victim that the victim needed “to be exterminated.” In the letter, he referenced one of the victim’s friends, Mr. Charlie Kirk, a conservative political activist who had recently been killed during a public engagement on a college campus. After writing that he hoped that the American flag “strangles the life out of you,” the letter went on to state: “Maybe someone will blow your head off!!! We can hope! Planning any public engagements? Love to see your head explode and your blood stain the concrete red. What a sight!”.

If convicted, Isbell faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The FBI Tampa Field Office and the Tampa Police Department are investigating the case, with assistance from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Additional support was provided by the FBI San Diego Field Office, the San Diego Police Department, and the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office.

Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Wheeler III for the Middle District of Florida is prosecuting the case.

A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

FAQs

1. Who is George Russell Isbell Jr.?
He is a 69-year-old San Diego man charged with sending a violent, politically motivated threat to a Florida media personality.

2. What did the letter say?
The letter contained detailed death threats and referenced the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

3. Is Charlie Kirk dead?
Yes. Charlie Kirk was killed earlier this year during a speaking engagement at a college campus.

4. What penalties does Isbell face?
He faces up to five years in federal prison if convicted.

5. Why is the case significant?
It highlights the rise in political threats and how misinformation and hatred can escalate into violence.