In a recent case that underscores the tensions surrounding firearm legislation, James Stearns, a 75-year-old from Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, has been sentenced for threatening state lawmakers. 

The threats were made in May 2022, aimed at legislators considering a bill to allow teachers to carry guns. Stearns, who was found guilty of making terrorist threats, received a sentence of seven days in jail—time already served—and a $500 fine, according to AP.

Stearns had sent two emails threatening violence if the bill passed, one addressed to an unidentified state lawmaker and another to a conservative talk radio host. His messages included statements about purchasing a powerful weapon and committing acts of violence against lawmakers who supported the bill. These threats came in the wake of the tragic school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, which had intensified the debate over arming teachers.

Fond du Lac County District Attorney Eric Toney condemned Stearns’ actions, calling them a direct threat to democracy. This case highlights the extreme reactions that contentious gun legislation can provoke, sparking debate over the balance between public safety and legislative actions.