Pennsylvania State Police have arrested a Blair County man after he allegedly left threatening voicemails on Governor Josh Shapiro’s official office phone line.
Theodore Knott III, 38, of Roaring Spring Township, was taken into custody by state troopers at his home following an investigation into the alarming messages received by the governor’s main office.
According to authorities, the incident began when Knott allegedly placed a call to the office line and left a recorded message describing himself as part of “reactivated army intelligence.” Investigators stated that during the voicemail, Knott declared he was on a mission to “destroy the commonwealth of Pennsylvania and to make sure any residents that are within the state get executed.”
Police reported that the caller also used a racial slur directed at Governor Shapiro and made unfounded claims that the governor was stealing money from U.S. citizens.
State Police quickly traced the call to Knott’s residence in Blair County and took him into custody without further incident.
Knott faces formal criminal charges, including one count involving threats to commit violence with the intent to terrorize another individual or cause public panic.
Knott was arraigned and subsequently released on bail. A preliminary hearing is expected to be scheduled in local magisterial court to determine if the case will proceed to trial.
State officials and law enforcement have re-emphasized a zero-tolerance policy regarding threats against public servants and state government institutions, noting that all menacing communications directed toward elected officials are thoroughly investigated by specialized state police units.
