The U.S. Secret Service has reviewed profanity-laced e-mails a Colorado Springs man sent Rep. Rhonda Fields two weeks ago, but it is not investigating any further, an official said Thursday.
One of the e-mails warns of an “overthrow of this government” if President Barack Obama “tries to take our guns.”
Franklin Sain, 42, was arrested Friday for sending Fields, D-Aurora, harassing e-mails and suspicion of attempting to influence a public official, a felony. He told Denver police he sent her six e-mails filled with profanity and sexual and racial epithets and left similar voice mails between Feb. 13 and 15.
Among them was a message that read, “Do you actually think that Americans will put up with this … I guarantee there is not enough law enforcement or military to stop an all out overthrow of this government if you or that … President tries to take our guns. … Guarantee we will make World War I and II look like child’s play, many will die … be prepared.”
Bruce Ward, special agent in charge of the Secret Service in Denver, said the comments made about the president fell within Sain’s free speech rights.
“We took a look at the info from the letters Sain had written, and that’s all,” Ward said. “We are not a party to the investigation.” Sain’s attorneys have said he was exercising free speech.
Sadie Gurman: 303-954-1661, sgurman@denverpost.com or twitter.com/sgurman