The Capitol Police, in collaboration with the FBI, have initiated an investigation into Roger Stone, a longtime ally and former adviser to Donald Trump. This inquiry arises from audio clips that purportedly capture Stone discussing plans to harm Democratic members of Congress, as reported by Mediaite. Stone, known for his far-right political stance and a history of legal controversies, now finds himself at the center of a serious investigation concerning national security and the integrity of democratic institutions.
In the backdrop of this development is Stone’s turbulent past as a political operative. Known for his close ties with former President Trump, Stone’s career has been marred by various legal and ethical controversies, making this latest investigation a significant addition to his contentious political legacy.
Mediaite, an online media outlet, recently published audio allegedly featuring Roger Stone in conversation with Sal Greco, a former NYPD officer and a member of Stone’s security team. In these recordings, Stone is heard mentioning Representatives Eric Swalwell and Jerry Nadler, suggesting violent actions against them. The recordings, dated just weeks before the 2020 presidential election, have sparked widespread concern due to their explicit nature.
The content of the conversation is alarming, with Stone purportedly saying, “It’s time to do it. It’s either Swalwell or Nadler has to die before the election. They need to get the message.” This apparent call for violence against elected officials has raised serious questions about the extent of Stone’s intentions and his influence within certain political circles.
Roger Stone has vehemently denied the allegations stemming from the recordings. In his response to Mediaite, Stone dismissed the audio as a product of “AI manipulation,” a claim that aligns with his history of refuting incriminating evidence. His outright denial contrasts with the less definitive response from Greco, who did not directly challenge the authenticity of the recordings but downplayed their significance as “ancient political fodder.”
This disparity in reactions between Stone and Greco adds a layer of complexity to the situation, casting doubts over the authenticity of the recordings and the intentions behind them. Stone’s categorical denial, however, has not deterred the ongoing investigation, as authorities delve deeper into the allegations.
The alleged threats were directed at Eric Swalwell and Jerry Nadler, both Democratic Representatives and members of key congressional committees. Swalwell, responding to the investigation, emphasized the importance of taking such threats seriously, citing them as typical of Stone and similar far-right figures. He views the recording not just as idle threats but as indicative of a broader pattern of behavior among staunch Trump supporters.
Nadler, who has previously been at odds with Stone, particularly over the latter’s conviction and subsequent presidential pardon, finds himself again intertwined with Stone’s controversial actions. Both lawmakers’ roles in overseeing and critiquing Trump’s administration have seemingly made them targets in this alleged plot, highlighting the fraught nature of political discourse in today’s climate.
Roger Stone’s legal entanglements are well-documented, notably his 2019 conviction on charges related to his interference with a congressional investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential election. This conviction, which Trump later nullified by commuting Stone’s sentence, brought significant scrutiny to Stone’s actions and his relationship with Trump. The House Judiciary Committee, led by Nadler at the time, even announced an investigation into Trump’s decision to commute Stone’s sentence.
This history of legal troubles paints a complex picture of Stone as a political figure. His actions have repeatedly drawn the attention of law enforcement and judicial authorities, contributing to his reputation as a controversial and divisive political operative.
The investigation into Stone gains additional significance considering the involvement of several members of his security team in the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack. Notably, some of these individuals were linked to the far-right Oath Keepers group and were among the mob that stormed the Capitol. This connection raises concerns about the potential for violence in Stone’s rhetoric and actions.
The participation of Stone’s associates in the Capitol riot underscores the seriousness with which authorities are approaching the current investigation. It situates Stone within a broader context of political violence and unrest, particularly among far-right groups and individuals loyal to Trump.
Roger Stone’s self-characterization as a “dirty trickster” is well-known in political circles. His modus operandi often involves making bold political attacks, only to later deny involvement or wrongdoing. This pattern has been a hallmark of his career, contributing to his reputation as a master of political manipulation and subterfuge.
The current allegations against Stone align with this established pattern. His history of controversial actions and statements, followed by denials, casts a shadow over his latest denials regarding the assassination plot. This recurring theme in Stone’s career further complicates the public’s and authorities’ efforts to discern the truth behind his actions and statements.
Sal Greco, a central figure in the recordings, served as security for Stone and was present during the January 6 Capitol riot. His association with Stone ultimately led to his dismissal from the NYPD in August 2022, highlighting the serious implications of such affiliations. Greco’s involvement adds another layer to the investigation, considering his law enforcement background and proximity to the events of January 6.
Greco’s dismissal from the NYPD serves as a testament to the gravity with which authorities are treating the allegations against Stone. It underscores the potential repercussions for those associated with Stone and involved in activities deemed a threat to public safety and order.
The investigation into Roger Stone’s alleged assassination plot carries broader implications for American democracy. The targeting of elected officials, if proven true, represents a direct threat to the democratic process and the safety of those serving in government. It raises concerns about the normalization of political violence and the extent to which divisive rhetoric can escalate into tangible threats.
The case also serves as a barometer for the current state of political discourse in the United States. The escalation from heated rhetoric to alleged plots of violence indicates a troubling trend that challenges the core values of democratic governance and civil discourse.
As the investigation into Roger Stone’s alleged assassination plot unfolds, the outcome remains uncertain. The seriousness of the allegations and their potential impact on democratic norms and institutions cannot be overstated. The law enforcement community, along with members of Congress, is closely monitoring the situation, understanding the need for a thorough and unbiased inquiry into these grave accusations.
“The Roger Stone assassination plot recording may seem like the ravings of a wannabe gangster,” said Representative Eric Swalwell. “It’s not… This threat, and other threats of violence by Trump and his supporters, must be taken seriously by not only law enforcement but also by my colleagues.”
COMMENTS