In a recent development, a student from Keene State College, New Hampshire confessed to federal charges regarding alarming threats made to a Congress member, which were propelled by a late-night TikTok scroll session.
Although initial reports did not disclose the victim's identity, the threatened individual was confirmed to be Rep. Matt Gaetz, a Florida Republican. Gaetz revealed this himself by playing the menacing voicemail at the center of the controversy earlier this year during his podcast. No comments have been recorded from Gaetz's office regarding the issue.
Subsequently, the offender identified as 24-year-old Allan Poller, faces a potential five-year sentence, with judgment set to be rendered in January.
Court documents provide that late in the evening on March 29, Poller contacted the Washington, DC, headquarters of an unnamed Congress member. His call left unanswered, Poller resorted to a voicemail, cautioning the delegate to discontinue "coming for the gays". His threatening message stipulated severe consequences if the official persisted. Poller's message, ostensibly fiery, promised retaliation if the unnamed member continued to meddle with his rights.
In subsequent interactions with law enforcement, Poller confessed to being the voice behind the ominous message, citing frustration stemming from TikTok content induced under the influence of alcohol.
Poller's legal counsel, Jesse Friedman, announced that his client acknowledges the toxic nature of any form of hate and sincerely regrets his actions. Poller recognises his intentions were detrimental and did not aim to pose a real threat or inflict substantial harm. This confession is part of Poller's plea deal where he admitted to knowing that his message could be perceived as a genuine threat despite his lacking intent.
