Colorado man allegedly threatened election officials in Arizona: Justice Department

PHOENIX – Officials with the U.S. Attorney's Office in Colorado said a man was arrested there and accused of making online threats against election officials in Arizona and elsewhere.

According to the statement, 45-year-old Teak Brockbank was arrested on August 23 in Cortez, a community in southwest Colorado about 40 miles from Four Corners.

“We allege that the defendant made death threats against election officials, judges and law enforcement officers,” said Attorney General Merrick Garland. “Threats of violence against public officials are a danger to our democracy, and the arrest and indictment announced today make clear that the Department of Justice will ensure that perpetrators are held accountable for their actions.”

Investigators allege that from September 2021 to August 2022, Brockbank “used two social media accounts to post messages threatening election officials in Colorado and Arizona.” The identities of those threatened have not been disclosed.

“On August 4, 2022, for example, Brockbank reportedly posted a message in which he referred to various election officials in Arizona and Colorado and then stated, 'Once these people are executed, the others will melt away like snowflakes and turn on each other. . . . That's the only way. So those of us who have the courage to do what needs to be done should mentally prepare ourselves for what we all [a]what you're going to do!!!!!! It's time,'” the statement said.

Officials also allege that Brockbank threatened a Colorado state judge in October 2021.

“Brockbank is charged with transmitting interstate threats. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison,” the statement said.