Government-Politics
The Livingston City Commission is providing a statement related to threats made towards city officials and employees.
On Wednesday, October 15th, a death threat was mailed through the US Postal Service to the City Manager’s home referencing Charlie Kirk’s recent assassination and the installation of bulb-outs in downtown Livingston. The letter was seen by a family member and immediately reported to the Livingston Police Department. This incident remains under investigation and community members with information are encouraged to contact the Livingston Police Department’s non- emergency line at (406) 222-2050.
On October 8th, a jury in the Park County Justice Court found a Livingston resident guilty of violating the State of Montana’s Privacy in Communications rules. The conviction arises from messages posted to the “This is REALLY Livingston” Facebook group on March 26th, in which the long-time resident threatened city employees, stating that, "they should leave the city position now or we will lock and load against your tyreny [sic]” and also said, “GET THE FUCK OUT NOW OR BE HUNTED YOUR CHOICE.” The individual is scheduled to be sentenced on October 24th.
These two incidents follow an incident on February 18th, when a different Livingston resident made a post regarding city officials referencing the murder of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson, also in the “This is REALLY Livingston” Facebook group.
The recent incidents are local examples of a larger trend in the United States wherein government officials are being increasingly threatened as targets of violence. Two Minnesota legislators were shot in June, one fatally, and the Pennsylvania Governor’s residence was set on fire by an armed intruder, among other incidents.
“Over the past several months, there has been a sharp increase in hostile behavior towards city staff. Multiple death threats, online intimidation, verbal harassment, and physical assaults have been directed towards staff while working throughout the city. We are appalled at the stories we have heard over the past several months,” the City Commission expresses in a joint statement.
The Commission adds, “Threats and violence against employees are totally unacceptable. City employees are our neighbors, friends, and family members. Their work literally keeps the city running and they deserve our respect and support.”
Community members are encouraged to engage in respectful conversations and bring concerns directly to the City Commission. “Public discourse is a necessary and welcome part of our society. Intimidation and threats have no place in Livingston. We urge the community to reject violence, report threats, support one another, and return to respectful dialogue,” they continued.
The Livingston Police Department takes all threats against public officials and employees seriously. Police Chief Hard adds, “Community members should report concerns to the Livingston Police Department. All threats will be fully investigated.”