Twitter apologized on Friday after a former Democratic aide said the social media giant didn’t take action when she reported threats from the man charged Friday in connection with a series of pipe bomb mailings to high-profile Democrats.
The company sent Rochelle Ritchie a follow-up message on Friday apologizing for the “inconvenience” after she reported threatening messages from a Twitter account believed to be linked to Cesar Sayoc Jr., the man charged in connection with the packages.
“Please disregard our last replay as it was sent in error,” Twitter said in a message that Ritchie posted online. “We’ve investigated and suspended the account you reported as it was found to be participating in abusive behavior,” the note added.
Ritchie, who previously served as a press secretary for the Democratic Policy and Communications Committee and has contributed to The Hill, reported an exchange to Twitter on Oct. 11 with a man rumored to be Sayoc.
{mosads}Sayoc was arrested and charged with five federal crimes in connection to the more than a dozen explosive packages sent to prominent Democrats and critics of President Trump.
“Hey @Twitter remember when I reported the guy who was making threats towards me after my appearance on @FoxNews and you guys sent back a bs response about how you didn’t find it that serious,” she tweeted, including the screenshots.
“Well guess what it’s the guy who has been sending #bombs to high profile politicians!!!!” she added.
Ritchie included a screenshot showing an account linked by media reports to Sayoc. The account tweeted at Ritchie earlier this month, according to the screenshot that she shared Friday.
“So you like to make threats. Unconquered Seminole Tribe will answer your threats. We have nice silent Air boat ride for u here on our land Everglades Swamp .We will see you 4 sure.Hug your loved ones real close every time you leave you home,” the threat read.
“Threatening my life… bad idea,” she responded, according to the screenshot.
A Twitter spokesman told The Hill on Friday, “This is an ongoing law enforcement investigation. We do not have a comment.”