Binghamton Man Charged In Threat Against Senator Lea Webb

Authorities say a man has been arrested after he allegedly posted an online comment threatening New York State Senator Lea Webb.

According to state police, 49-year-old James A. Crosby of Binghamton has been charged with making a terroristic threat as a hate crime, a felony.

Investigators determined Crosby posted a threatening statement on Facebook in response to a WBNG news story reporting on Webb's appearance as a speaker at a Juneteenth event in Cortland.

Police said Crosby was arrested Tuesday and taken to Broome County Jail in the town of Dickinson for arraignment.

As part of the investigation, police said they discovered Crosby possessed firearms despite being prohibited from doing so because of a prior felony conviction.

Evidence allegedly seized by investigators who were looking into an online threat directed at State Senator Lea Webb. (Photo: New York State Police)

State police seized a rifle, a large capacity ammunition feeding device and a firearm suppressor. Those items are prohibited under New York State law.

As a result, Crosby also has been charged with four felony counts of criminal possession of a weapon.

A representative of Webb was not immediately available Wednesday to comment on the alleged threat against the senator or the arrest of Crosby.

The Broome County Democratic Committee had called for action after the threatening statement appeared online.

UPDATE: Senator Webb's office released this statement Thursday morning.

It was extremely disappointing and hurtful to see the now-deleted threat and attacks on my life in response to a story about Juneteenth, a national holiday that recognizes the ending of slavery in America. That day reminds us about both how far we have come and the work that still needs to be done in order to make our communities more inclusive and equitable. Feedback and thoughts on policy are one thing, but to make a public call for lethal violence is absolutely unacceptable and dangerous.
We must recognize our shared humanity and reject violence in all forms. Thank you to the community, Senate Majority Leader Stewart Cousins, Governor Hochul, my colleagues, and staff for your support; and our public safety officials for their swift response and protection during this difficult time. It is critical that we work together to eradicate racism and bigotry whether it’s words or actions.