Wilburn, the first Black chair of the Iowa Democratic Party and also a state representative from Ames, wrote an op-ed published October 8, ahead of Trump’s rally in the state, with the headline: “Iowa Republicans put loyalty to Trump over helping Iowans.”
He said that after the op-ed’s publication, he received two threatening voicemails and a threatening email to his legislative address.
In a video call with reporters Tuesday, Wilburn said he would seek charges against those responsible for the messages if police identify them.
He said one voicemail contained a reference to lynching, and that a second message and an email contained more hateful language.
He said receiving threatening, racist messages made him “angry, frustrated,” but that “unfortunately, these types of threats are not uncommon.”
“This type of hate must never be tolerated. Whoever is responsible should be held accountable. Racism of any kind is unacceptable and not who we are as Iowans,” said Reynolds, the governor.
