A Miami resident has pleaded guilty to making violent threats online against a U.S. Senator, federal prosecutors announced Friday.
According to court documents, Walter George Bechtel III, 39, admitted to posting a threatening message on June 9 using an account on X, formerly known as Twitter. The post directed at a Senator read in part: “I will kill you personally old man. (Smiling Halo Emoji)” and accused the lawmaker of hypocrisy over wealth and political influence.
When questioned by law enforcement, Bechtel acknowledged sending the message and “reaffirmed his desire” to harm the Senator, prosecutors said. They, however, did not name the Senator.
He pleaded guilty to interstate transmission of threatening communications, a federal offense that carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison. His sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 18, where a federal judge will determine the punishment based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory considerations.
The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida and U.S. Capitol Police Chief Michael G. Sullivan. The U.S. Capitol Police Threat Assessment Section is leading the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Marc Anton is prosecuting the case.
