BOSTON – A Texas man was arrested and charged right this moment in reference to threatening a Boston physician offering care to members of the transgender group.
Matthew Jordan Lindner, 38, of Consolation, Texas, was charged with one rely of transmitting interstate threats. Lindner was arrested this morning and can make an preliminary look within the Western District of Texas this afternoon. He’ll seem in federal court docket in Boston at a later date.
“Demise threats instill worry and terror of their focused audiences. The conduct alleged right here shouldn’t be protected free speech. The phrases used right here don’t quantity to somebody merely expressing their discontent or partaking in a heated debate. Mr. Lindner’s alleged conduct – a dying risk – relies on falsehoods and quantities to an act of office violence. The sufferer, a Physician caring for gender nonconforming and transgendered sufferers, ought to be capable to have interaction on this significant and obligatory work with out worry of bodily hurt or dying. And though the Physician is clearly a sufferer, Mr. Lindner’s risk is rooted in a hatred of the LGBTQIA+ group and the households, mates and people who love and assist them. They’re victims too,” mentioned United States Lawyer Rachael S. Rollins. “There was once a respite and protected haven from hurt or assault in our colleges, church buildings, hospitals and courthouses. We used to increase that decency and respect to even our fiercest adversaries. Sadly, these days look like gone. The Division of Justice has pledged to guard the rights of the gender nonconforming and transgendered group, which incorporates the well being care suppliers who render care and assist. This workplace will vigorously examine and prosecute people who engaged in hate crimes, together with threats. Immediately’s prices present that we’ll scour the nation to make sure the protection and wellbeing of individuals in Massachusetts. Hate has no place right here.”
“Immediately, the FBI arrested Matthew Lindner for allegedly harassing and threatening to kill a doctor on the Fenway Institute solely as a result of she was caring for gender nonconforming kids. Whereas everybody has a proper to precise their opinion, they don’t have a proper to make use of or threaten violence in opposition to people who don’t share their identical set of beliefs,” mentioned Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Particular Agent in Cost of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division. “Nobody ought to need to reside in worry of violence due to who they’re, what sort of work they do, the place they’re from, or what they imagine. This case is sadly certainly one of many others that illustrates FBI Boston’s dedication to thwarting potential violent incidents motivated by hate and bias and holding the people behind them accountable.”
In response to the charging paperwork, in August 2022, inaccurate info unfold on-line concerning procedures at Boston Kids’s Hospital (BCH) for the transgender group. It’s alleged that on Aug. 31, 2022, Lindner referred to as the Boston-based Nationwide LGBTQIA+ Well being Training Heart and left a threatening voicemail concentrating on one of many Heart’s affiliated docs. In that voicemail, Lindner allegedly mentioned: “You sick motherf*****s, you’re all gonna burn. There’s a bunch of individuals on their strategy to deal with [victim]. You signed your individual warrant, [victim]. Castrating our youngsters. You’ve woken up sufficient folks. And upset sufficient of us. And also you signed your individual ticket. Sleep effectively, you f******, c***.”
In August 2022, U.S. Lawyer Rollins introduced the creation of the “Finish Hate Now” hotline – 1-83-END-H8-NOW (1-833-634-8669) – for reporting hate-based incidents or potential legal exercise. Massachusetts residents and guests are inspired to name the hotline to report regarding or troubling incidents of hate, potential hate crimes, or considerations concerning people believed to be espousing the hate-filled views or actions we be taught of far too typically within the wake of mass shootings and/or acts of hate-based violent extremism. Callers are inspired to depart their contact info however could stay nameless. Presently, the hotline is accessible in English, Spanish, Cantonese and French.
The cost of transmitting interstate threats gives for a sentence of as much as 5 years in jail, as much as three years of supervised launch and a effective of as much as $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court docket decide primarily based upon the U.S. Sentencing Tips and statutes which govern the dedication of a sentence in a legal case.
U.S. Lawyer Rollins and FBI SAC Bonavolonta made the announcement right this moment. Assistant U.S. Lawyer Brian A. Fogerty of Rollins’ Human Trafficking & Civil Rights Unit is prosecuting the case.
The small print contained within the charging paperwork are allegations. The defendant is presumed harmless until and till confirmed responsible past an inexpensive doubt in a court docket of regulation.