Alabama Man Admits to Threatening Arizona Election Workers in Guilty Plea

An Alabama man admitted guilt on Thursday to sending threatening messages to Arizona election workers during and after the 2022 primaries.

Brian Ogstad delivered 18 direct messages via Instagram to an account managed by the Maricopa County Election Department in August 2022. Most of these messages included threats against the lives of the election workers.

Arizona’s 2022 elections, including the primaries held on August 2, became a hotspot for unverified claims of election fraud, resulting in numerous threats against both officials and private citizens.

Ogstad was indicted and taken into custody in February 2024. At his arraignment, he pled not guilty to five felony counts of interstate threats. However, he altered his plea on July 2, admitting guilt to one of the five counts on Thursday before U.S. Magistrate Judge John Boyle.

“This plea should serve as a deterrent to those who think they can take the law into their own hands through vigilante actions,” stated U.S. Attorney Gary Restaino. “It also highlights the courage of Maricopa County election workers who have upheld the integrity of free and fair elections despite facing threats.”

One of the messages detailed in the indictment, sent on August 3, 2022, read: “You are lying, cheating mother fuckers… You better not come in my church, my business or send your kids to my school. You are fucking stupid if you think your lives are safe.”

Ogstad’s guilty plea concerns a class D felony, which carries a potential sentence of up to five years in prison and up to $20,000 in restitution to the victims, who did not appear in court. The remaining four counts will be dismissed at his sentencing, set for October 1.

Defense attorney Todd Spodek expressed remorse on Ogstad’s behalf, mentioning, “In a heated political climate, people often make online remarks they later regret. Unfortunately, Mr. Ogstad let his emotions take over and sent messages he now deeply regrets.”

Ogstad refused to comment outside the federal courtroom in Phoenix.

Additional messages from Ogstad included profanities and violent threats such as “They have every vote! You fuckers think you can cheat? Ha! Stupid fuckers, do it! Hang yourself!” and “You did it! Now you are fucked. Dead. You will all be executed for your crimes.”

Appearing nervous throughout the 30-minute hearing, Ogstad repeatedly nodded as Judge Boyle read the messages aloud. When questioned about the truthfulness of the facts, Ogstad responded, “I believe so, your honor.”

Ogstad also shared images and graphics related to unfounded claims of voter fraud, including a photo featuring a “Woody” doll from “Toy Story” with an “unidentified projectile” in its back.

His hearing was delayed due to a flight issue, prompting a reschedule from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Judge Boyle warned that tardiness at the sentencing could lead to enhanced penalties and potential revocation of Ogstad’s release conditions.