A New Hampshire man, Allan Poller, has been sentenced to three years of probation and ordered to pay a $500 fine after admitting to threatening to kill Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla. Poller accused Gaetz of “coming for the gays” in a voicemail left at Gaetz’s Washington, D.C. office on March 29, 2023. The threat was made in response to Gaetz’s stance on LGBTQ rights. The sentencing took place in federal court on Thursday, as reported by the New Hampshire Union Leader.
Poller, a student at Keene State College at the time, called Gaetz’s office and left a voicemail stating, “I just want to let you know, Representative [Name], if you keep on coming for the gays, we’re gonna strike back and I guarantee you, you do not want to f— with us.” The FBI affidavit confirmed that Gaetz was the recipient of the threatening voicemail. On his podcast “Firebrand,” Gaetz played a snippet of the voicemail, where Poller can be heard making the death threat.
Poller, a men’s track athlete for Keene State, was arrested on April 3, 2023. He later admitted to placing the call and leaving the threatening message. Poller claimed that he had been drinking and became angry while watching videos on the social media application TikTok.
Prosecutors had initially stated that Poller could face up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000 for his actions. However, the U.S. Attorney’s Office highlighted Poller’s lack of prior criminal history and his acceptance of responsibility. In a sentencing memorandum, Poller’s attorney emphasized how his client had used the consequences of his actions as a catalyst for positive change in his life.
Rep. Matt Gaetz’s office has yet to comment on the sentencing. The investigation into the case was led by the FBI and U.S. Capitol Police, with assistance from the Keene Police Department and the Springfield, Vermont, Police Department.
This incident highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding LGBTQ rights and the potential for extremism in political discourse. Threats against elected officials are taken seriously, and the legal system aims to hold individuals accountable for their actions. The case also raises questions about the impact of social media platforms like TikTok on individuals’ behavior and mental health.
As the 2024 campaign trail unfolds, incidents like these serve as reminders of the challenges faced by politicians and the importance of maintaining a respectful and inclusive political environment.
