A Nevada man has been charged with making a series of antisemitic and profane voicemails directed at the office of Sen. Jacky Rosen, D-Nev. John Anthony Miller of Las Vegas was arrested on Thursday and appeared in federal court on Friday. The Justice Department has charged him with one count of threatening a federal official, according to a news release. Miller’s preliminary hearing is scheduled for November 13 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Elayna J. Youchah.
Court documents state that Miller left multiple threatening and antisemitic voicemails at the senator’s office, making references to Israel, Palestinians, and the West Bank. One voicemail connected to Miller’s phone number mentioned completing “what Hitler started.” Although the documents do not explicitly mention Sen. Rosen, her office confirmed that the threats were directed at her.
Sen. Rosen addressed the threats, expressing confidence in the U.S. attorney and the Department of Justice to handle the situation. As Nevada’s only Jewish U.S. senator, she acknowledged reviewing the indictment earlier that day.
FBI agent testimony revealed that another voicemail was left at the senator’s office from an unidentified number matching Miller’s voice and speech pattern. In that message, the caller threatened the senator’s family.
Court documents also mention an incident where Miller attempted to enter a Las Vegas courthouse, but was denied entry. He responded by yelling profanities, according to the documents.
A public defender representing Miller did not provide immediate comment when reached for a response.
Sen. Rosen has been actively advocating for support for Israel throughout its conflict with Hamas. After her recent trip to Israel, she called on the Senate to approve additional defense funding for the country and to expedite the confirmation of Jack Lew as U.S. ambassador. As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Rosen has also urged the Defense Department to transfer unused military assets to Israel.
Hamas terrorist attacks in Israel on October 7 resulted in the deaths of 1,400 people. Subsequent protests called for the annihilation of Israel or the genocide of the Jewish people.
Antisemitic incidents in the U.S. have surged by 388% following these terrorist attacks compared to the same period last year, according to the Anti-Defamation League, an organization combating antisemitism and extremism.
Discussing this rise in antisemitism, Sen. Rosen stated, “This is what Jews all around the world are facing.”
President Joe Biden has unveiled new actions to counter the increasing wave of antisemitism on college campuses. These efforts build on the national strategy announced by the Biden administration in May, which involved numerous federal actions to raise awareness and protect Jewish communities.
Originally published on NBCNews.com
