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‘Criminally Threatening’: Experts Respond as Stone Insists He Did Nothing Wrong With Crosshairs Instagram Post
After posting what is being described as a threatening image of crosshairs right next to the face of the federal judge in his court case to his Instagram page, Roger Stone is now insisting he did nothing wrong.
Stone says he has removed the image from his Instagram page, but in two new posts says the photo was “misinterpreted,” and was just “a random photo taken from the Internet.” He also claims it is “categorically false” to infer it was meant to threaten U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson.
“Roger Stone Did Nothing Wrong” is actually his current trademark, so to speak. The phrase appears on a teeshirt he’s using (photo, top) to make money off his possibly illegal activities. Stone also used the threatening photo to try to raise funds.
“Proceeds go to Fund my Legal Defense Fund,” he says in one Instagram post.
Here’s how some experts have responded to Stone’s threatening post:
U.S. Senator:
This image is stomach turning. The real Roger Stone—criminally threatening a federal judge. Another Trump associate demonstrates contempt for the rule of law & the desperate need for accountability. https://t.co/ZdQauqiwyy
— Richard Blumenthal (@SenBlumenthal) February 18, 2019
U.S. Congressman:
18 USC § 115: Whoever “threatens to assault, kidnap, or murder, a … [US] judge … with intent to impede, intimidate, or interfere with such official, judge … while engaged in the performance of official duties …” commits a felony.
Does this post from Roger Stone qualify? https://t.co/U1huDG8MwT
— Ted Lieu (@tedlieu) February 18, 2019
National security lawyer:
Let’s be real clear: Roger Stone just attacked the judge presiding over his case. No conservative should be saying this is OK. None.
— Bradley P. Moss (@BradMossEsq) February 18, 2019
Writer, scholar, and Russian expert:
Interview from 2/13 where I said Roger Stone needed a gag order and house arrest immediately because otherwise he’d threaten both individuals and national security. Now he’s threatened to kill a judge. https://t.co/C06yLm6Go5
— Sarah Kendzior (@sarahkendzior) February 18, 2019
Former federal prosecutor, now a CNN legal analyst:
Federal judges are frequently threatened, but rarely by someone with the influence of Roger Stone. This thuggery should be universally condemned. https://t.co/YJ1xdZgXjw
— Renato Mariotti (@renato_mariotti) February 18, 2019
Daily Beast reporter:
Roger Stone’s instagram post directs people to https://t.co/Q4iFn76syz, which also sells Free Helicopter Rides t-shirts – a nod to Pinochet death squads pic.twitter.com/xfszp78A7x
— Betsy Woodruff (@woodruffbets) February 18, 2019
Law Professor, former chief White House ethics lawyer:
Threatening a federal judge is a felony.
Roger Stone’s bail should be revoked for this, and he should be sent right to the slammer.Roger Stone Shares a Photo of Judge With Crosshairs Near Her Head – Rolling Stone https://t.co/dwMqkdyea8
— Richard W. Painter (@RWPUSA) February 18, 2019
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