Palm Harbor Man Indicted for Threatening to Kill Two U.S. Congressmembers and Two Others via Social Media

Tampa, Florida – Robert Odell Potts, 58, of Palm Harbor, Florida, has been formally charged by federal indictment with interstate communication of threats to injure and kill. The indictment alleges that on October 28, 2026, Potts posted a threatening message on social media declaring his intent to assassinate four individuals, including two sitting members of the United States House of Representatives.

According to the indictment, Potts’ social media post stated: “Today I will be assasanating [sic] [U.S. CITIZEN 1], [U.S. CONGRESSMEMBER 1], [U.S. CONGRESSMEMBER 2], and [U.S. CITIZEN 2] today.” These statements are characterized as true threats under federal law.

If convicted, Potts faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison. The indictment serves as a formal charge and does not imply guilt; Potts is presumed innocent unless proven otherwise in a court of law.

The investigation into Potts’ conduct was conducted jointly by the U.S. Capitol Police Threat Assessment Section, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office. The prosecution is being handled by Special Assistant United States Attorney Joseph Wheeler, III.

U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announced the charges, emphasizing the seriousness with which threats against elected officials are treated by federal authorities.

This case is part of broader federal efforts to monitor and prosecute threats against government officials, reflecting ongoing concerns about the safety of public servants and private citizens alike.

Additional recent federal actions in the Tampa area include charges against other individuals for various offenses, underscoring active law enforcement engagement in the region.

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