FBI, US Capitol Police Investigating Threats Against Todd Akin

The FBI and US Capitol Police are investigating threats against Missouri Rep. Todd Akin. Police spokeswoman Lt. Kimberly Schneider said there was “an active, open investigation” into a threat against the Republican congressman but couldn’t go into any further detail because it involved the security of Congress members.

Several threats have been made against Akin, his family and his staff since his controversial “legitimate rape” interview Sunday. Steve Taylor, Akin’s communication director, said:

“Capitol police are working with an outside law enforcement agency regarding threatening contact with our official office. The office of Congressman Akin has received threats of rape of his official staff, family and the Congressman himself along with suggestions that individuals should die.”

Sources say a Twitter user called “Ambassador A” is under investigation for tweeting, “I am going to legitimately rape your wife. ; ) don’t worry her body will defend her.” The user also tweeted, “My good sir. Kill yourself.”

Taylor also said the Capitol Police and FBI are investigating “which threats are accurate or how to contextualize them.”

Todd Akin has been a congressman for six terms and is challenging incumbent Sen. Claire McCaskill. Even though he has been urged by fellow Republicans to drop his bid for Senator, Akin has insisted that he is staying in the race. The Missouri congressman has said that he misspoke during his interview and has apologized for his comments.

“I used the wrong words in the wrong way, and for that I apologize. The mistake I made was in the words I said, not in the heart I hold,” Akin said in a video apology Tuesday.