Police arrested a man Thursday who allegedly threatened Sen. Jeff Flake’s staff referencing the shooting of House Majority Whip Steve Scalise, who remains in serious condition after 66-year-old James Hodgkinson opened fire on Republican lawmakers during a June congressional baseball practice.
According to one of Flake’s aides, Mark Prichard, 59, told a staffer: "You know how liberals are going to solve the Republican problem? ... They are going to get better aim. That last guy tried, but he needed better aim. We will get better aim."
Prichard was arrested at Flake’s Tucson office.
According to authorities, Prichard was among a group of protesters at Flake's office on Thursday. He was charged with criminal trespassing as well as threats and intimidation after staffers in Flake’s district office called authorities.
Pima County authorities also arrested 70-year-old protester Patrick Diehl for criminal trespass in the 3rd degree after he allegedly attempted to force his way into Flake’s office.
Both Diehl and Prichard were transported to the Pima County Adult Detention Complex. According to the sheriff’s office, the remaining protesters were allowed to be on the property five at a time from that point forward, and “the remaining protest time was peaceful.” (Fox News)
According to the Pima County Sherriff’s office, “No force was used in apprehending either of the two men, and no violence occurred from the protest itself.”
In the wake of the baseball shooting, a Republican lawmaker introduced legislation that would allow lawmakers to carry firearms. A House committee also moved to increase funding for the U.S. Capitol Police.
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