March 2, 2017

FBI and U.S. Capitol Police Arrest Atlanta Man Threatening Staff of U.S. Congressman John Lewis

ATLANTA—Special Agent in Charge (SAC) David J. LeValley, FBI Atlanta, announces the following arrest involving a series of telephonic threats involving the office of U.S. Congressman John Lewis, (D), representing the 5th District of Georgia.

On Thursday, March 2, 2017, U.S. Capitol Police based in Washington, D.C., along with FBI agents based in Atlanta, arrested Dante Antoine Rosser, age 42, of Atlanta, Georgia, at his west Atlanta residence. Rosser was charged via federal criminal complaint with violation of Title 18 U.S.C. Section 115 (B), related to threats of assault against a United States official.

Beginning on or about January 2016, Rosser is alleged to have repeatedly called the Atlanta office of U.S. Congressman John Lewis (D), 5th District of GA, demanding that Congressman Lewis and his staff seek financial reparations on his and his family’s behalf. Between the dates of February 22-23, 2017, Rosser called Congressman Lewis’ office approximately 46 times. On February 23, 2017, Rosser is alleged to have threatened Congressman Lewis’ staff by stating that “I will blow your head off. You’re dead”. Rosser then allegedly stated that this staff member, as well as other staff members, should be concerned for their safety.

Rosser will have an initial appearance later today in front of a U.S. magistrate judge, Richard B. Russell Federal Building, Atlanta, Georgia.

The public should be reminded that the above are merely allegations and that all persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.