A Political Conference in Washington, DC, Evacuated Due to Death Threats
Introduction to the Incident
On Sunday, a political conference in Washington, DC, known as the Principles First Summit, was abruptly evacuated due to a death threat directed at several of its high-profile speakers. This summit positions itself as an alternative to the more Trump-aligned Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC). The threat, which also claimed that pipe bombs had been planted at the venue, was taken seriously by organizers and law enforcement, leading to the evacuation of the JW Marriott hotel where the event was being held.
Organizers received an email threatening the safety of several speakers, including former national security adviser John Bolton and former DC police officer Michael Fanone, who played a key role in defending the U.S. Capitol during the January 6, 2021, attack. The email, which authorities later determined to be unfounded, caused significant disruption to the conference.
The Threat and Response
The email threat, sent from an untraceable address, claimed to have planted pipe bombs at the JW Marriott hotel and at Bolton’s home in Maryland. The sender also mentioned that the threat was intended to "honor the J6 hostages recently released," referring to individuals involved in the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol who have since been released from custody.
Organizers of the Principles First Summit quickly alerted both their private security and the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia (MPD). The hotel decided to evacuate the floor where the conference was taking place as a precautionary measure. The MPD conducted a thorough investigation and later confirmed that the threat was unfounded, allowing the conference to resume later that day.
Heath Mayo, the founder of Principles First, addressed attendees upon resuming the conference, emphasizing that such threats would not intimidate them. Mayo stated, "We are not going to be cowed, we are not going to bend our knee. This type of threat to the physical safety of us, members of Congress, this is a real problem in the United States of America. And it isn’t going to stand."
Broader Implications of the Threat
The threat against the Principles First Summit highlights the increasing concerns about political violence and intimidation in the United States. The event, which bills itself as a counter to the more Trump-aligned CPAC, has become a target for those who oppose its message of accountability and adherence to democratic principles.
The email threat specifically targeted several high-profile speakers, including former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, former U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger, former Georgia Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan, retired federal appeals court Judge J. Michael Luttig, and businessman Mark Cuban. This suggests that the sender was intent on silencing voices critical of former President Donald Trump and his allies.
Encounter with Enrique Tarrio
In addition to the death threat, the conference was also disrupted by an unexpected encounter with Enrique Tarrio, the former leader of the Proud Boys, a far-right extremist group. Tarrio, who was recently released from prison after serving time for his role in the January 6 attack, appeared at the conference and confronted several of its speakers, including Michael Fanone and former U.S. Capitol Police Sgt. Harry Dunn.
Tarrio, who was pardoned by Trump last month, called Fanone and Dunn "cowards" and told them to "keep walking" as he and a group of his supporters filmed and followed the two through the hotel. Fanone, who has been an outspoken critic of the January 6 rioters, responded by calling Tarrio a "traitor to this country."
The incident has raised concerns about the emboldenment of individuals like Tarrio, who have been pardoned or released from prison after being involved in the January 6 attack. Fanone, who has faced numerous threats himself, told CNN that Trump’s pardons have made him and his family less safe. "My family, my children, and myself are less safe today because of Donald Trump and his supporters," Fanone said.
Organizers’ Response and Resumption of the Conference
Despite the disruptions caused by the death threat and the encounter with Tarrio, the Principles First Summit resumed later on Sunday afternoon. Organizers emphasized the importance of continuing the event, even in the face of threats and intimidation.
Heath Mayo, the founder of Principles First, addressed the attendees upon resuming the conference, reiterating the organization’s commitment to standing up against threats to physical safety and democratic values. Mayo’s remarks were met with applause from the audience, who appeared undeterred by the earlier disruptions.
The incident has also prompted organizers to increase security measures for future events. Given the heightened tensions and the recent increase in threats against political figures, organizers recognize the need for vigilance in ensuring the safety of their speakers and attendees.
Conclusion and the Impact on Free Speech
The evacuation of the Principles First Summit due to a death threat and the confrontation with Enrique Tarrio underscore the challenges faced by political conferences and events in the current polarized climate. The incident serves as a reminder of the dangers posed by political extremism and the importance of protecting free speech and democratic values.
While the threat was ultimately determined to be unfounded, the incident has had a lasting impact on the conference and its attendees. It has also highlighted the need for law enforcement to take such threats seriously and for organizers to implement robust security measures to ensure the safety of their events.
In the face of such challenges, the Principles First Summit has demonstrated resilience and a commitment to its values. By resuming the conference after the evacuation and addressing the threats head-on, organizers have sent a clear message that they will not be intimidated by those who seek to silence them.
