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US Congressman Mullin, Cherokee, and Family have Received Death Threats

Levi Rickert, editor-in-chief in Native Briefs. Discussion »

WASHINGTON – The Congressional office of US Congressman Markwayne Mullin, R-Oklahoma, has issued a statement this afternoon that indicates there have been death threats made against the first-term congressman, his wife and children.

US Congressman Markwayne Mullin and Family Earlier this Month

Representative Mullin is a member of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma and is one of only two American Indians currently serving in the 113th Congress. The other is fellow Oklahoman, Representative Tom Cole.

He was sworn in to office just over two weeks ago on January 3. Representative Mullin represents Oklahoma's 2nd Congressional district.

The brief statement did not provide exact details of the threats, but confirmed threatening letters received by his Congressional office were turned over to federal law enforcement authorities who consider the letters

“a serious matter due to the content and nature of the threatening letters received.”

Karl Ahlgren, Representative Mullin's chief of staff, said both local and federal authorities have been notified and are investigating the matter.

“Precautions have been taken to ensure the safety of his wife and children,”

said Ahlgren.

He said the office would have no other comment at this time.

Threats against members of Congress are taken seriously and are thoroughly investigated, especially after the tragic shooting of former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, D-Arizona , who was shot while attending a 'meet and greet' with her constituents at a Tucson supermarket, which left her critically injured with a gunshot to her head, 13 people injured and six people dead.

By telephone, to the Native News Network the US Capitol Police did confirm the serious nature of the threats but refused to give any details at this time.

posted January 19, 2013 4:50 pm est