PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A 44-year-old Perkasie man is facing federal charges after authorities said he sent threatening emails to Bucks County U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, demanding that the congressman send him money to cover his prescription drugs.
Aaron McComsey has been charged with two counts of threatening to assault, murder or kidnap a federal official.
A federal indictment accuses McComsey of sending emails to Fitzpatrick’s office in August, stating that he had been dropped by his health insurance and Medicaid won’t cover his medication. His email, quoted in the indictment, says, “I go into withdrawal in 36 hours. After that time, [Brian Fitzpatrick] is no more on this earth. Fix this or he goes bye bye forever.”
The indictment says the next day, McComsey sent another email saying he wants $6,000 a month from Fitzpatrick sent to his Cash App account. He also claimed to have Fitzpatrick’s schedule, saying, “I have nothing else to do but plan and scheme and make sure they all pay dearly. And their families too.”
“I have nothing left to lose,” McComsey writes. “Give me my money now or face the consequences.”
Fitzpatrick released a statement the day after McComsey was charged, saying threats of violence are never acceptable, “must be taken seriously, and the judicial process must be allowed to run its course.”
“Accountability and compassion are not competing obligations,” said Fitzpatrick. “We can unequivocally condemn threats of violence and uphold the law without losing sight of the humanity of those involved, the struggles they may be facing, and the families affected.
“We must never lose sight of our responsibility to uphold the law, nor our obligation to extend compassion and support to those who may be struggling. One does not diminish the other.”
If convicted, McComsey faces up to 12 years in prison.
Man threatens Fitzpatrick to pay for his prescription medication, indictment says
Man threatens Fitzpatrick to pay for his prescription medication, indictment says
