DENVER—A man accused of threatening a Colorado lawmaker sponsoring gun control bills has been charged with attempting to influence a public servant and harassment.
Franklin Sain was charged Monday over messages sent to Democratic Rep. Rhonda Fields.
Denver prosecutors allege the 42-year-old, who is white, tried to intimidate or harass Fields because she is black.
Sain was suspended from his job as chief operating officer of an information technology firm following his arrest.
He allegedly sent Fields a letter saying “There will be blood” and expressing hope that someone would “Gifords” her, an apparent reference to the wounding of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords.
Sain’s attorney said Monday that while the messages to Fields were deplorable, they were not threats.
Fields’ attorney says he agrees with the decision to file charges.
