Scott Lennox, a 21-year-old Chicago resident, sent violent threats to the Republican candidate for governor of Illinois, Senator Darren Bailey.
The Chicago resident allegedly called Bailey’s office last Friday.
According to the Cook County Attorney’s Office, Lennox left him a lengthy audio message.
The threats
According to a bond proposal from the prosecutor’s office, Scott Lennox left a string of violent threats via voicemail.
“I’m going to skin Darren Bailey alive, making sure he is still alive … and screaming in ******* pain,” Lennox allegedly said.
“I know where he lives, I know where he sleeps, I know where his kids sleep.”
“Yeah, that’s right, so he better kill himself, and if he doesn’t, I am going to kill him,” the voicemail concluded.
The transcript comes from a document filed in the Cook County Circuit Court.
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Tracing the calls
The voicemails trace back to Scott Lennox through caller ID.
Additionally, the Illinois Secretary of State interviewed Lennox.
According to court documents, he admits to the calls and reads:
“The Illinois Secretary of State Police deemed (Lennox) was not a credible threat and did not arrest (Lennox) or transport him to any location for further questioning.”
The case was referred to the Illinois State Police, who arrested Lennox after questioning and examining his phone.
Charges
Scott Lennox appeared in court on Wednesday to face charges of crimes including:
- Threatening a public official
- Harassment by electronic communications
- Telephone harassment.
However, he was given a $ 75,000 bail with electronic surveillance.
Additionally, Lennox must stay away from Bailey, his family and associates.
Finally, Scott Lennox is not allowed to post threatening messages online.
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Bailey
Senator Darren Bailey released a written statement from his campaign to address the situation.
“Divisive, inflammatory, and misleading rhetoric is driving hatred across our state as some attempt to label political opponents as dangerous threats.”
“Whether we agree or disagree on policies, we are all Americans,” he continued.
“I pray this young man gets the help he needs.”
Incumbent Democratic Governor JB Pritzker echoed Bailey’s sentiments despite being his opponent.
“The violent rhetoric and division we’re seeing across our country is unacceptable,” he tweeted.
“Hatred in any form has no home in Illinois.”
In addition to being a senator, Darren Bailey is the co-founder and former president of a private Christian school.
Before that, he was the local school board president for the Clay County Public School District.
Schools linked to Bailey are under soft lockdown, prosecutors say.
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