BINGHAMTON, NY (607NewsNow) – State Senator Lea Webb is speaking out after a man was arrested for allegedly making a violent threat against her on social media.
On June 23, State Police arrested 49-year-old James Crosby and charged him with making a terroristic threat following a Facebook comment targeting Webb in which he said, “I’d be proud to hang her from a tree” on a Juneteenth-related post.
During the investigation, Crosby was also charged with four counts of criminal possession of a weapon.
Senator Webb issued a public statement on June 25, condemning the threat, thanking law enforcement, and calling for unity in the community.
Webb’s Full Statement
It was extremely disappointing and hurtful to see the now-deleted threat and attacks on my life in response to a story about Juneteenth, a national holiday that recognizes the end of slavery in America. That day reminds us about both how far we have come and the work that still needs to be done in order to make our communities more inclusive and equitable. Feedback and thoughts on policy are one thing, but to make a public call for lethal violence is absolutely unacceptable and dangerous.
We must recognize our shared humanity and reject violence in all forms. Thank you to the community, Senate Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins, Governor Hochul, my colleagues, and staff for your support, and our public safety officials for their swift response and protection during this difficult time. It is critical that we work together to eradicate racism and bigotry, whether it’s words or actions.
