×

Buffalo Area Man Accused Of Threats To Congress

BUFFALO (AP) — Rep. Steve Scalise, grievously wounded in a 2017 shooting, and the No. 4 House Republican leader have received telephone threats, aides said Thursday after a western New York man was arrested and accused of leaving menacing voicemails for two lawmakers.

U.S. Attorney James Kennedy said investigators believe the threats are credible. The prosecutor said items that are “very concerning” were found in Carlos Bayon’s Grand Island home, north of Buffalo.

The messages say in part: “You are taking ours. We are taking yours.” Kennedy did not elaborate on what evidence was found.

Bayon, 63, was arrested Wednesday and faces a federal charge of making threats across state lines. He is accused of leaving messages for representatives from Washington state and Louisiana on June 30, though authorities did not release the lawmakers’ names.

Scalise spokesman Chris Bond confirmed Thursday that Scalise, the No. 3 House Republican leader, received a threat. He said Scalise, 52, does not know Bayon or know why he was targeted.

Also receiving a threat was Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash., said a congressional aide who spoke on condition of anonymity because she said U.S. Capitol Police asked staffers to not comment publicly.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today