Photo: PATRICK T. FALLON / AFP / Getty Images
Tampa, FL - George Russell Isbell Jr., a 69-year-old resident of San Diego, has been arrested and charged with mailing a threatening communication to conservative political commentator Benny Johnson in Tampa.
The arrest was announced by U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi during a press conference in Downtown Tampa on Friday.
Authorities say Isbell allegedly mailed a handwritten letter to Johnson’s home on September 18th, which contained explicit threats.
The letter reportedly referenced the recent assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk and included detailed language describing how Johnson could be killed.
Investigators indicated the threats were motivated by Johnson’s political beliefs and his association with Kirk.
Bondi stated that individuals who issue threats will be found and charged.
She emphasized that threats of this nature, whether targeting Republicans or Democrats, are taken seriously by federal authorities.
The investigation involved the U.S. Postal Service and the FBI, which ultimately led to Isbell’s arrest in San Diego on October 7, 2025.
Johnson publicly described the letter, stating that the sender detailed why he wanted Johnson dead and included graphic descriptions of the intended attack.
He placed partial blame on the Democratic Party, while Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried condemned political violence and stressed the need for unity, saying threats have no place in American society or political discourse.
Isbell faces federal charges for allegedly mailing a threatening communication, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison if convicted.
He has not entered a plea, and his attorney was unavailable for comment.
Authorities continue to monitor and investigate politically motivated threats to ensure the safety of public figures across the political spectrum.