FBI

 Contacting the FBI about threats of violence or harassment related to the exercise of your First Amendment rights is vital because these actions may involve violations of federal law, especially when they are part of a larger pattern of intimidation, hate crimes, or attempts to suppress free speech. The FBI is tasked with investigating civil rights violations, including threats or acts of violence meant to silence individuals based on their beliefs, political opinions, religion, or participation in protests or public discourse. By reporting these incidents to the FBI, you help ensure that serious threats are investigated at the highest level and that individuals or groups attempting to undermine constitutional freedoms are held accountable.

In some cases, local law enforcement may lack the necessary resources, jurisdiction, or expertise to address complex or widespread threats, particularly those that cross state lines, involve organized groups, or occur online. The FBI has specialized units and tools to track digital threats, monitor extremist activity, and coordinate with other agencies to prevent escalation. By contacting the FBI, you contribute to a broader effort to protect not only your own rights but also the rights of others who may be targeted in similar ways. Ensuring that these threats are taken seriously at the federal level reinforces the nation's commitment to protecting free expression and maintaining public safety in a democratic society.

It is essential to gather as much information and evidence as possible when submitting a report to the FBI. The following is a list of pertinent information to collect:

• Nature of the threat: Specifics about what was said or done ("They threatened to…").
   
• Any mention of weapons or violence: Explicit statements about harming you or others.
   
• Timing of the threat: Immediate danger or future date mentioned.
   
• Suspect information: Names, usernames, email addresses, phone numbers, or physical descriptions of the person(s) involved.

• Written records: Save all messages, emails, letters, or posts containing threats or harassment.
   
• Screenshots: Take clear screenshots of threatening content (social media posts, direct messages, comments, emails).
   
• URLs/Links: Copy and paste direct links to the posts or profiles where threats occurred.
   
• Dates & Times: Note exactly when each incident happened (including time zone).
   
• Call logs/voicemails: If the threats came via phone, keep logs, caller IDs, and voicemail recordings.
   
• Photos/Videos: Any physical evidence of harassment (flyers, vandalism, in-person harassment).

• Your contact information: Full name, phone number, email, and safe way to reach you.
   
• Your location: City/state where the incidents occurred (helps identify FBI jurisdiction).
   
• Your role: Why you believe you’re being targeted (e.g., journalist, activist, religious group member).
   
• Pattern of behavior: Whether harassment/threats have escalated over time.