Court Battles

Fulton County sheriff says threats have been made against himself, district attorney leading up to potential Trump indictment 

Fani Willis
Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis watches proceedings during a hearing to decide if the final report by a special grand jury looking into possible interference in the 2020 presidential election can be released Jan. 24, 2023, in Atlanta.

The Fulton County sheriff said Tuesday that threats have been made against himself and District Attorney Fani Willis (D) ahead of potential indictments over the investigation into former President Trump’s alleged attempts to overturn the 2020 election in Georgia.

Sheriff Patrick Labat said at a press conference Tuesday that the department has run those threats “to the ground.” He said the department will continue to use its Criminal Investigations Division and other resources to hold those making threats “accountable.”

“As my mom has said, ‘You asked for this job,’” he said when asked how he felt about threats made against him. “And our goal is to protect not just the DA — the judges and everybody that has received those threats. We’ve done a really good job of running those to ground. And again, as those individuals continue to make threats, go after those bad actors and hold them accountable.”

Labat said his office had made an arrest in connection to threats made several months ago, but the more recent threats remain under investigation. This comes after Willis, who is Black, told state employees that she has received racist threats and warned them to “stay alert,” The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported.

Willis told reporters this week her “work is accomplished,” signalling that the grand jury could make a decision soon regarding the investigation. A judge ruled Monday against Trump’s attempt to quash the Georgia probe and remove Willis from any investigation.

Labat also referred to security measures his office has taken ahead of potential indictments over the Trump election investigation. He said that barricades have been set up, adding that they are focused on a “proactive” security plan.

Tags Fani Willis Fani Willis Fulton County

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