The target of dozens of death threats linked to the MAGA movement made a public plea to Republicans to halt Donald Trump’s vow of retribution Friday.
Eric Swalwell (D-CA) and his family have been hit by many “credible” threats that have been investigated by law enforcement.
“People are in jail for wanting to kill me and my kids," he wrote for MSNBC Friday. "I spent $315,000 this past Congress on personal security to protect myself and my family. I know the consequences of dissent."
Swalwell began receiving threats after speaking out on issues including gun control and investigations into Trump.
And he fears that now that Trump is returning to power, and has nominated Kash Patel — a man who has openly called for retribution — to head the FBI, the threats will worsen.
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He said the only way to stop them is for individual Republicans to grow spines and stand up to their leader.
“The presidential election cycle wasn’t just about re-election: It was about avoiding justice and more importantly, for him, punishing those who oppose him,” Swalwell wrote.
“Many times this year he has threatened his perceived opponents, the press and even members of his own political party. Anyone who stands in his way is vulnerable. We should also assume that, since he was last president, he’s honed his ability to lash out against his opponents.”
Swalwell admitted he had no hope that individual Republicans will stand up to help him — and others in his position.
“If you’re counting on a single Republican congressman or senator to stop him, forget it,” he wrote.
“They’ll shrink. He’ll overpower them. They’ll fear they will become public enemy No. 1 among conservatives and their lives will be turned upside down with threats to their safety and country club memberships.”
But, he said the recent failure of former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) to become attorney general gave a clear message that members of the party will fight back — if they’re not alone.
“If they can take a silent, collective action, they can be effective. No one can point to a specific single senator who blocked the Gaetz nomination. That’s not an accident. By banding together, a half-dozen senators said, “Hell no” and made Gaetz’s path impossible
“Do they have it in them to do it again? And again? And again, until the message is received by Trump that they will not rubber stamp America’s path to a dictatorship?”
