A Winfield, Illinois man has been charged with two felony counts of threatening a public official after he sent a letter to a conservative school board candidate. The letter sent to the school board member indicated that her life was in danger as they warned her to “watch your back.”
Christopher Strong, 55, was arrested for sending the letter to Amanda “Amy” Erkenswick on March 31. The letter contained the phrase “Book-burning evangelical c*nt watch your back, psycho.”
Illinois man charged with felony over violent threats against female conservative school board candidatehttps://t.co/NnUiEBsLtA
— Jack Poso ???????? (@JackPosobiec) August 19, 2023
The charges against Strong have been filed and he is now being held at DuPage County Jail on $50,000 bail. If released pretrial, Strong must not contact Erkenswick. His next court appearance is September 11.
Erkenswick lost the election but leads Parents for CUSD 200 Children, which is an organization that works towards securing a brighter future for students in District 200 and advocates for change in education.
BREAKING: Illinois man charged with felony over violent threats against female conservative school board candidatehttps://t.co/pKp2oQ0vW3
— The Post Millennial (@TPostMillennial) August 18, 2023
The group focuses on declining test scores in the state as well as divisive content such as highly political material and sexualized teachings within schools. Furthermore, they are opposed to books such as Gender Queer and Jack (Not Jackie) being taught in schools alongside sex education teaching children about gender identity and sexual orientation.
It is unclear why Strong sent the threatening letter, but it appears that his actions were motivated by Erkenswick’s candidacy and views regarding education policy. It is important that threats like these are taken seriously by law enforcement officials so that those who wish to engage in politics without fear of harassment can do so safely and securely.
Progressive activist arrested for threatening Right leaning school board candidate that was running for the Wheaton Warrenville School District 200 Board. There is no room for this kind of behavior. Hopefully the court sends a strong message in this case. https://t.co/a9uqOW9hJT
— SafeSuburbsUSA (@SafeSuburbsUSA) August 19, 2023
This incident serves as an important reminder that threats against candidates should never be tolerated no matter their political affiliation or beliefs.
