Al Sharpton threat comes from Akron

Akron Beacon Journal, OH ^ | July 10, 2003 | Stephen Dyer

[schaketo]

The first known death threat against controversial Democratic presidential candidate the Rev. Al Sharpton apparently has come from an Akron home.

According to police reports, a North Hawkins Avenue man called Powernet TV at 11:10 p.m. Sunday, about 10 minutes after the production company started broadcasting a Sharpton speech on Akron's Time-Warner Cable Channel 15.

The message, in slow, slurred speech left on Powernet's voice mail, said: ``This is the Godfather. I'm gonna blow Al Sharpton's brains out.''

Caller ID traced the threat to the Hawkins Avenue house.

Sharpton campaign manager Frank Watkins said the call is the first death threat he is aware of during the African-American leader's bid for the White House. Watkins said he called the Secret Service.

``We take all threats seriously,'' Watkins said.

Secret Service agent Brian Marr, who is based in Washington, said the agency isn't protecting any of the nine Democratic candidates yet.

Police took the suspect, 47, Monday to Portage Path Psychiatric Emergency Services for evaluation, said police Capt. Daniel Zampelli.

According to police reports, the suspect said he would not follow through on the threats.

When reached Monday before police picked him up, the man denied making the call and said he was not aware of anyone else using his phone Sunday night.

Akron police didn't conclude Sunday's threat contained ``hate bias.'' Zampelli said the caller never said he wanted to kill Sharpton because of race.

Zampelli said Akron police have contacted the FBI and Secret Service. He said charges are unlikely on Akron's end.

``The officers felt there wasn't enough for menacing, but that doesn't mean (Sharpton) couldn't send representatives (to the prosecutor's office) to pursue charges,'' Zampelli said. ``The officers thought it was more of a mental issue than a criminal issue.''

[hoosierboy]

Wonder if it was kucinich?

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[isthisnickcool]

Good thing the caller didn't mention AIDS or sausages. He would have been in dep do-do if he did that.

[FourtySeven]

This raises an interesting question: DOES the Secret Service ever protect any presidential candidates (other than a president seeking re-election) during any part of the campaign process?

Anyone know?

[Redwood71]

If you're going to blow Shartpton's brains out, where do you shoot him?

[=Intervention=]

Quote of the day candidate!!!! BUMPPP!

[Sender]

How dare anyone threaten FR's own choice for dem candidate? We want Al safe and in front of the TV camera with mouth open!

[mhking]

Black conservative ping

If you want on (or off) of my black conservative ping list, please let me know via FREEPmail. (And no, you don't have to be black to be on the list!)

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[ARCADIA]

Where was Bill Clinton when the call was made?

[amused]

Those bastards are trying to intimidate Al!

Al Sharpton:Curled, Rested and Ready for '04

If you would like on or off the Go Al Go ping list, please freepmail me.

[Grampa Dave]

Big Al will not be intimidated!

He will use Je$$e Jack$on as a human shield in the future.

[amused]

He will use Je$$e Jack$on as a human shield in the future.

LOL.....how about a Jesse/McKinney combo?

After all, the good Rev. is not exactly a small man.

[Fudd]

Flamethrower to the hair. That's his mojo.

[Impy]

In the booty? :p