AP Kansas

Trial starts for man accused of threatening Kansas lawmaker

Published January 17, 2023 10:55 AM

By JOHN HANNA
Associated Press

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A jury has been seated in a federal criminal trial for a man prosecutors say became fixated on a Kansas congressman and threatened to kill him. The trial started Tuesday for 32-year-old Chase Neill comes amid a rise in treats to the nation’s lawmakers and their families. Prosecutors say Neill threatened to kill U.S. Rep. Jake LaTurner in a June 5 voicemail message left at the Republican congressman’s office, then continued to make threatening calls the following day. Twelve jurors and two alternates were selected after Neill withdrew a request to act as his own attorney. A pretrial report said Neill believes he is “the Messiah” but the presiding judge found him competent to stand trial.

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