HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Aides to Connecticut’s governor say they perceived the words of a New Jersey blogger as a real threat.
Gov. Dannel P. Malloy’s general counsel, Andrew McDonald, was a state senator at the time Harold Turner posted an entry that authorities say incited violence against legislators. Testifying at Turner’s trial, McDonald said Thursday that he considered it “an extraordinary document” and a “very real threat.”
Turner, representing himself, asked McDonald on cross-examination whether the language wasn’t just “political hardball.”
Turner says his comments were free speech. He’s charged with felony inciting injury to persons and misdemeanor threatening.
Turner was arrested two years ago after urging readers to “take up arms” against state lawmakers following withdrawal of legislation to give Catholic lay members more control over parish finances.
Malloy’s deputy press secretary also testified Thursday.
