Democratic Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold disclosed that she has become a target of death threats in the aftermath of a lawsuit in her state that resulted in the removal of former President Trump from the ballot, as reported by The Hill on Saturday, December 30, 2023.
Griswold, taking to the platform formerly known as Twitter, stated, “Within three weeks of the lawsuit being filed, I received 64 death threats. I stopped counting after that.”
Undeterred by the threats, she asserted, “I will not be intimidated. Democracy and peace will triumph over tyranny and violence.”
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In a tweet, Griswold directed followers to a HuffPost article where she expressed concerns about potential violence associated with the former president.
Notably, Griswold clarified that she wasn’t the initiator of the lawsuit; it was set in motion by the watchdog organization Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW).
Griswold took the opportunity to commend her Democratic counterpart in Maine, Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, who made the decision to remove Trump from the ballot in Maine under the 14th Amendment.
During an MSNBC interview, Griswold praised Bellows, stating, “I do think Secretary Bellows is brave and courageous. She is the first individual, by herself, having to make this decision.”
Bellows justified her decision, asserting that Trump, “over the course of several months and culminating on January 6, 2021, used a false narrative of election fraud to inflame his supporters and direct them to the Capitol to prevent certification of the 2020 election and the peaceful transfer of power.”
Subsequent to this move, Bellows also faced threats, acknowledging on CNN, “I was prepared for the possibility of threats, and I really appreciate law enforcement and the people around me who have been incredibly supportive of my safety and security.”
The decisions by Griswold and Bellows to take action against Trump’s candidacy have sparked strong reactions, with both secretaries of state receiving threats, underscoring the heightened emotions surrounding issues of election integrity and political decisions.
This troubling trend of threats against public officials underscores the broader challenges confronted by individuals making decisions in the highly charged and polarized political landscape.
Griswold’s unwavering commitment to upholding democracy in the face of threats serves as a poignant reminder of the significance of safeguarding the democratic process and the individuals working to preserve its integrity, even in the face of adversity.
These incidents also underscore the urgency for civil debate that respects differing opinions and disagreements without resorting to intimidation or violence.
As the political landscape remains tense, the experiences of Griswold and Bellows draw attention to the broader issue of protecting public officials who play a crucial role in upholding democratic principles.
