Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows has revealed that she has received threatening messages following the sharing of ways to contact her office by former President Donald Trump.
Yesterday, Bellows issued a ruling that bars Trump from running in the state for the 2024 presidential election. The ruling states that he is not qualified to hold the office of the President under Section Three of the Fourteenth Amendment.
That section bars people from holding office in the U.S. government if they have engaged in “insurrection.”
In response, Trump issued numerous messages on Truth Social, blasting the decision. He also shared a post showing users how to contact the Secretary of State.
On Friday evening, Bellows sat down with CNN anchor Kaitlan Collins, during which the state official expressed her concerns about the safety of her loved ones.
COLINS: But you saw Trump himself sharing on social media ways to contact your office, the information to contact your office. I wonder, given the position that you’re in and the decision that you’ve made, if you have concerns for your safety since making this decision.
BELLOWS: I was prepared for the possibility of threats. And I really appreciate our law enforcement and the people around me who have been incredibly supportive of my safety and security. My safety and security is important. So is the safety and security of everyone who works with me. And we have received threatening communications. Those are unacceptable. But regardless, my considerations in this proceeding is to adhere to the process. We are a nation of laws. Maine law required me to hold a hearing and issue a decision, and now it goes to the Superior Court and I will uphold the ruling of the courts. That is the process that we are due. And again, looking at the evidence and the events of January six. It was an insurrection because people attacked not only the Capitol, but also that process of the peaceful transfer of power.
COLLINS: It’s notable to hear you say that you have gotten threats because of this decision. I mean, how concerning had those doubts been to you?
BELLOWS: Those threatening communications are truly unacceptable. And I certainly worry about the safety of people that I love, people around me and people who are charged with protecting me and working alongside me. That being said, we are a nation of laws and that’s what’s really important. And so I’ve been laser focused on that obligation to uphold the Constitution.
Earlier this month, Trump was also removed from Colorado’s 2024 election ballot due to the Jan. 6, 2021 Capitol riot, following a decision by the state’s Supreme Court. The Republican frontrunner has expressed his intention to appeal to the Supreme Court in order to seek a final decision.
Watch the clip above via CNN.
