TL;DR: Federal prosecutors in Philadelphia have arrested Aaron Michael McComsey, 44, of Perkasie, Pennsylvania, on a two-count indictment alleging he emailed death threats to Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick’s congressional office in August. The indictment alleges McComsey demanded $6,000 for medication costs and threatened the congressman was “finished.” He faces up to 12 years in prison and, like all defendants, is presumed innocent unless convicted in court.
A Bucks County man who allegedly lost his health insurance is now facing federal charges after prosecutors say he sent a string of threatening emails to a member of Congress. United States Attorney David Metcalf announced on October 15 that Aaron Michael McComsey, 44, of Perkasie, Pennsylvania, was arrested and charged by indictment with two counts of threatening to assault, murder, or kidnap a federal official, according to Bucks Independence and PhillyBurbs.
The federal grand jury indictment alleges that on or about August 4, 2026, McComsey knowingly threatened to assault and murder a member of the United States Congress, with the intent to impede, intimidate, and interfere with the representative while engaged in the performance of official duties, and to retaliate against the member for the performance of those duties.
The alleged threats
As alleged in the indictment, McComsey sent emails to the federal official’s office that read, in part: “Aetna dropped me. Medicare doesn’t cover drugs. And medicaid is refusing to pay. I go into withdrawal in 36 hours. After that time, [the official] is no more on this earth. Fix this or he goes bye bye forever.”
Other messages demanded $6,000 for monthly medication costs and included the lines “That man is finished” and “I’m coming over there soon if this isn’t resolved,” according to the indictment.
Prosecutors say the congressman, identified in court filings only by the initials “B.F.,” represents Pennsylvania’s First Congressional District, which includes Perkasie. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, a Republican who is up for re-election in November, confirmed on October 16 that he was the lawmaker targeted.
Fitzpatrick responds
In a statement issued one day after the arrest, Fitzpatrick thanked law enforcement and said threats of violence “are never acceptable.” He also noted that he co-chairs the Mental Health and Substance Abuse Task Force and has made strengthening the mental health system a priority. The indictment itself does not mention any substance abuse or mental health diagnosis.
What happens next
The case was investigated by the United States Capitol Police, with assistance from the Bucks County District Attorney’s Office, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joseph LaBar. If convicted on both counts, McComsey faces a maximum possible sentence of 12 years in prison. An indictment is an allegation; McComsey is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Featured image: Perkasie, Pennsylvania. Photo credit: doylestownparealestate.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was arrested for threatening the congressman?
Aaron Michael McComsey, 44, of Perkasie in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, was arrested on October 15, 2026, and charged by federal indictment, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Philadelphia.
Which member of Congress was allegedly threatened?
The indictment identifies the target only by the initials “B.F.,” but Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, a Republican who represents Pennsylvania’s First Congressional District including Perkasie, confirmed on October 16 that he was the lawmaker threatened.
What exactly did the emails allegedly say?
The indictment cites messages demanding $6,000 for monthly medication costs after McComsey said his insurer dropped him, including lines like “After that time, [the official] is no more on this earth” and “I’m coming over there soon if this isn’t resolved.”
What charges does McComsey face?
Two counts of threatening to assault, murder, or kidnap a federal official. Each count carries a significant federal sentence; prosecutors say the maximum total is 12 years in prison if convicted on both counts.
Who investigated the case?
The United States Capitol Police investigated, with assistance from the Bucks County District Attorney’s Office under District Attorney Joe Khan. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joseph LaBar.
Why is threatening a member of Congress a federal crime?
Federal law makes it a crime to threaten to assault, kidnap, or murder a federal official, including members of Congress, when the threat is intended to impede or retaliate against them for performing official duties.
Is McComsey guilty?
No determination of guilt has been made. A grand jury indictment is an accusation, and McComsey is presumed innocent unless and until a court finds him guilty.
What did Rep. Fitzpatrick say about the threats?
He condemned threats of violence as “never acceptable,” said the allegations must be taken seriously, and noted his work co-chairing the Mental Health and Substance Abuse Task Force while emphasizing both law enforcement and compassion.
