Full Breakdown
Nevada Man Sentenced for Threatening Judges Over Trump-Related Cases
6/3/2026, 1:09:27 AM
Threats, Trial and Sentencing
Spencer Christjencody Gear, a 34-year-old Las Vegas resident, received a 60-month prison term and three years of supervised release after a jury convicted him on nine counts of threatening a federal official and 11 counts of transmitting a threat. Between Nov 30, 2023 and July 7, 2024 he made vulgar phone calls and sent an email that threatened eight federal judges and three state employees, seeking to intimidate officials overseeing cases against former President Donald Trump and Jan. 6 defendants.
Background & Key Actors
The threatened judges included U.S. District Judges Beryl Howell, Colleen Kollar-Kotelly, Jia Cobb, Reggie Walton, Christopher Cooper, Lewis Kaplan, and New York officials Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg and Justice Juan Merchan, all of whom preside over high-profile matters such as Trump’s hush-money criminal trial, the E. Jean Carroll defamation case, and Jan. 6 prosecutions. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada, which described Gear as a “far-right extremist,” brought the charges, while Assistant Federal Public Defender Rebecca Levy argued that Gear is open to rehabilitation.
Timeline & Statistics
Threats were issued from Nov 30, 2023 through July 7, 2024. A six-day trial in February 2024 resulted in conviction on 20 counts. Sentencing occurred on a Monday. Gear’s conduct targeted eight federal judges and three state employees, led to nine counts of threatening a federal official, 11 counts of transmitting a threat, and a 60-month prison sentence with three years supervised release.
Official Statements & Responses
The U.S. Attorney’s Office said Gear’s threats were intended to intimidate officials as they performed their duties. Prosecutors emphasized the extremist tone, noting language reminiscent of the Holocaust. Defense counsel Rebecca Levy contended that Gear’s remarks, while reprehensible, reflect a broader pattern of hyperbolic political speech and highlighted his willingness to seek rehabilitation.
Criticism & Opposition
Prosecutors labeled Gear a “far-right extremist” and warned that his threats signal a dangerous escalation of political violence. The defense argued that such rhetoric mirrors the hyperbolic language used by many public figures and that the First Amendment protects even extreme political expression.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I'll spill your blood” — Spencer Gear, voicemail to a federal judge
- “You are a woman.” — Spencer Gear, message to Judge Juan Merchan
- “I'm embarrassed that I ever talked to people in such a manner,” — Spencer Gear, sentencing hearing
- “He is open to rehabilitation,” — Rebecca Levy, Assistant Federal Public Defender
Implications for Judicial Security
The case heightens concerns about the safety of judges handling politically charged cases, prompting law-enforcement agencies to review threat-assessment protocols and sparking debate over the balance between free speech and credible threats.
What’s Next
Gear is expected to appeal his conviction. Federal authorities will continue monitoring extremist communications targeting the judiciary, while congressional committees consider legislation to strengthen protections for federal officials.
