A Chicago man was arrested earlier this week for allegedly threatening to “mutilate and kill” Republican candidate for governor Darren Bailey in a voicemail left at one of Bailey’s offices, according to a police report.
Scott M. Lennox, 21, of the 3300 block of North Jean Baptiste Point DuSable Lake Shore Drive, was charged with threatening a public official, a felony, and two harassment offenses following his arrest by the Illinois State Police.
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The alleged threat against Bailey came less than two weeks before the general election, where the Republican state senator from downstate Xenia is challenging incumbent Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker.
Bailey could not immediately be reached for comment.
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Pritzker on Wednesday took to Twitter to condemn the incident, saying “the violent rhetoric and division we’re seeing across our country is unacceptable.”
“Hatred in any form has no home in Illinois,” the governor continued.
Also condemning the incident was Democratic House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, of Hillside. “We need these violent threats to stop,” Welch tweeted. “Politicians on both sides of the aisle need to lower the rhetoric and bring back civility to our politics. I don’t agree with Mr. Bailey’s policies, but I want nothing but the best for him and his family.”
According to a police report, Lennox called one of Bailey’s senate officers at about 10:30 p.m. Friday and left a voicemail, threatening to “mutilate and kill” Bailey.
State police learned that Lennox was the owner of the cell phone used to make the threats against Bailey, according to the police report.
Authorities said Lennox eventually admitted to making the threats against Bailey. Lennox was arrested Monday morning and brought to a lockup on Chicago’s North Side.
He is scheduled to appear for a bond hearing Wednesday afternoon at the Leighton Criminal Court building.
jgorner@chicagotribune.com
