LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A Republican candidate for Congress in Kentucky says his family and campaign have received multiple threats in the days leading up to Election Day.
In a statement, Stuart Ray said his campaign office, LMPD's Domestic Terrorism Department and the FBI are responding to alleged threats made against Ray's family and campaign manager.
Louisville FBI told WHAS11:
"After becoming aware of the incident involving congressional candidate, Stuart Ray, FBI Louisville investigated it jointly with LMPD and found it not to warrant federal prosecution."
Ray is the Republican nominee for Kentucky's 3rd Congressional District.
According to a statement, he said his family received a threat on Nov. 5 and Louisville police were notified.
“I would like to thank the LMPD’s Domestic Terrorism unit in addition to LMPD’s field officers for doing an excellent job both providing us security and containing it on our behalf," he said in the statement. "In addition, I would like to thank the Domestic Terrorism unit of the FBI for their work on this incident."
Ray says threats and malicious rhetoric do not belong in politics.
"My campaign, along with our opponent, has not taken part in any mean-spirited rhetoric," he said.
He said the threat against his family was "contained." However, his campaign manager, Michael Frazier, who is also an LGBTQ+/Student Rights advocate, allegedly received a "hate-filled, homophobic threat" from a fake Facebook account on Tuesday.
Ray said he was disgusted by the message, adding that his IT department is working to identify the individual and monitor the situation.
"We strongly believe Michael’s sexual orientation should never be an issue-no matter your politics," he said. "Like Michael, our campaign and staff doesn’t fit general narratives. We will do anything necessary to protect our Campaign staff who are like family to us!”
Ray said due to the pending investigation, there are no other details available.
Make it easy to keep up-to-date with more stories like this. Download the WHAS11 News app now. For Apple or Android users.
Have a news tip? Email assign@whas11.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter feed.