Scott Eli Harris of Texas sentenced to prison for sending threatening messages to a prominent Asian doctor

Photo: Rosem Morton / Wall Street Journal

According to a press release from the Justice Department, 52-year-old Scott Eli Harris of Aubrey, Texas has been sentenced to six months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for sending threatening messages to Dr. Leana Wen, a prominent Maryland medical doctor who publicly advocated for the COVID-19 vaccine. Dr. Wen is the former Baltimore health commissioner and was previously national president of Planned Parenthood.

Harris admitted to sending threatening messages to Dr. Wen with violent statements including, “Never going to take your wonder drug. My 12 gauge promises I won’t .… I can’t wait for the shooting to start.”  The message also referenced Dr. Wen’s Asian background and national origin. Harris also allegedly wrote, “I’m a 5th general U.S. Army veteran and a sniper.. I can't wait for the shooting to start.. I hope you are ready.. [Expletive].. where's your [expletive] office?"

“While we are all entitled to our own opinion, no one has the right to threaten the life of someone because of race, national origin, or because of holding different views,” said U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, Erek L. Barron. “Threats like these will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.” 

“Threats of violence, especially those driven by racial animus and misguided beliefs concerning the COVID-19 pandemic will not be tolerated,” said Assistant Attorney General Clarke. “Members of our Asian American Pacific Islander communities should never have to live in fear of violence because of their race or national origin.”