FBI Investigating Severed Gas Line At Democrat Congressman’s Brother’s House
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After Tea Party activists posted the supposed address of Rep. Tom Perriello’s (D-VA) home, a gas line was cut at his brother’s property. The activists posted the wrong address in Virginia on the internet.
The FBI and local authorities are investigating the incident. Threats and acts of violence have escalated after President Barack Obama signed the Health Care Reform bill into law. Some Tea Party Activists have been calling for acts of violence against members of Congress and the Democratic headquarters throughout the states.
In a phone interview Jessica Barba, spokesperson for Perriello said the Capitol Police have been informed of the incident.
“We have had no direct threats,” said Barba. “Tom is in Washington at this time and he has been informed of the situation. We will have an official statement later.”
The Albemarle County Fire Marshal’s Office said Wednesday afternoon that it is investigating a suspicious incident at 303 Heron Drive in Peacock Hills in the Ivy area of Albemarle County, Va.
“The Fire Marshal’s Office is conducting the investigation in cooperation with the FBI. While officials are not willing to characterize the exact nature of the incident because of the ongoing investigation, it did not involve an immediate threat to occupants of the residence.”
Perriello’s brother is married and the father of four children under the age of eight who live in the home.
“Officials are taking the incident very seriously and conducting a vigorous investigation,” according to a statement issued by the fire marshal Wed. “Additional details will be released as the investigation continues. The County’s involvement began last night following a request for assistance by the FBI.”
Lynchburg Tea Party member Mike Troxel claimed responsibility for posting the home address of Rep. Tom Periello, encouraging people to drop by for a “good face-to-face chatâ€:
“Just in case any of his friends and neighbors want to drop by and say hi and express their thanks regarding his vote for healthcare. I personally believe it’s so important for representatives to remain fully grounded and to remember exactly what it is their constituents are saying and how they are telling them to vote. Nothing quite does that like a good face-to-face chat. It has a much more personal touch to it.”
ThinkProgress spoke to Troxel yesterday, who said he would “probably†still post Periello’s address if he found it. “The bottom line is that his offices wouldn’t answer phone calls, they wouldn’t return e-mails to his constituents, and as an elected official, he’s responsible to the people he represents,†said Troxel, pointing out that people also picketed President Bush’s ranch in Texas.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the FBI in Virginia or the Capitol Police in Washington, D.C.
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