A Tampa dentist who threatened to kidnap and murder children of public figures has been sentenced to federal prison. Richard Glenn Kantwill, an army veteran, sent over 100 threats to various individuals while reportedly struggling with PTSD and alcohol abuse.
At a Glance
- Florida dentist Richard Glenn Kantwill sentenced to 2 years in prison for sending over 100 violent and racist threats
- Threats targeted election officials, religious figures, political candidates, media members, and celebrities
- Some messages contained racial slurs and expressed support for President Trump
- Kantwill pleaded guilty to four counts of interstate transmission of a threat
- The Iraq War veteran blamed PTSD, depression, and alcoholism for his actions
Army Veteran Turned “Keyboard Warrior”
The Department of Justice announced this week that Richard Glenn Kantwill, a Tampa-based dentist, will serve two years in federal prison for sending threatening messages to public figures and an election official. The 70-year-old admitted to sending over 100 threats to at least 40 victims between 2019 and 2024, using platforms including Facebook, Instagram, email, and text messages.
Kantwill, who served in the Army in Iraq, described himself as a “keyboard warrior” with no intention of carrying out the violent acts described in his messages. His lawyer requested a lighter sentence, citing his military service and expressing remorse for his actions. Despite his pleas for leniency, the court ruled his threats serious enough to warrant prison time.
Violent Threats and Political Motivation
The former dentist’s messages targeted a wide range of individuals including an election official, religious figures, political candidates, media members, and celebrities. Court documents reveal that some of these communications contained racial slurs and praised President Donald Trump, suggesting political motivation behind the threatening behavior.
“The Defendant’s repeated choice to threaten violence, to include threats of murder and rape, against persons in the public eye who he disagreed with, demonstrates a lack of self-control and respect not just for the individuals with views different from his but also for the rule of law in general,” prosecutors said.
Federal investigators took Kantwill’s threats seriously enough to pursue charges that could have resulted in up to five years in prison for each of the four counts he faced. The case represents a strong message from federal authorities about the serious consequences of making politically motivated threats against public officials and figures.
Life-Altering Consequences
Beyond his prison sentence, Kantwill faces severe personal and professional repercussions. He has already lost his dental practice and is likely to lose his professional license. Following his release from prison, he will serve three years of supervised release, pay a $10,000 fine, and be required to participate in a substance abuse program.
“Dr. Kantwill hopes the Court and Government will recognize his sincere remorse, and that the Court take into consideration his service for his country when fashioning an appropriate sentence,” his lawyer said.
The FBI conducted the investigation that led to Kantwill’s arrest and subsequent guilty plea. The case, prosecuted by Trial Attorney Aaron L. Jennen and Assistant U.S. Attorney Abigail K. King, serves as a stark reminder that online threats carry real-world consequences, regardless of whether the individual intended to carry them out.
