A Florida dentist who fervently supported Donald Trump has been sentenced to two years in prison for sending over 100 threatening and bigoted messages to more than 40 individuals, targeting them based on political disagreements. Richard Kantwill, 61, of Tampa, pleaded guilty in November 2024 to four counts of interstate transmission of a threat. He had already served approximately nine months at the time of sentencing.
Prosecutors described the threats as containing obscene and derogatory references related to race, religion, gender, and sexual orientation. They argued that Kantwill’s persistent threats of violence, including murder and rape, demonstrated a disregard for the rule of law and warranted a guideline sentence of 33 months.
Kantwill’s defense team stated that he was deeply remorseful and attributed his actions to post-traumatic stress disorder stemming from his service as a medic during the first Gulf War. They claimed his PTSD led him to excessive alcohol consumption and marijuana use.
The FBI first investigated Kantwill in October 2019 after receiving a complaint from a victim. Despite being warned that his messages were considered threats, he continued sending them for another ten months, using social media and email.
One alleged message targeted a writer, calling them a “degenerate” and making homophobic slurs before warning them to “hire extra security.” Another message to a reverend threatened “torture first, then death,” prompting the victim to spend $4,500 on home surveillance equipment out of fear.
In July 2020, amid nationwide protests over George Floyd’s killing, Kantwill sent a racist threat, stating he looked forward to shooting a Black individual in the street. He also boasted online about owning firearms and his unwillingness to surrender. Prosecutors said he claimed to have 15 firearms and discussed illegally obtaining automatic weapons.
When the FBI attempted to interview him in 2021, Kantwill refused and blamed the government and minorities for his actions. He later sent a vulgar text to federal agents, cursing them and expressing support for Trump while condemning Biden. Shortly afterward, he sent a sexually violent and racist threat to an unnamed politician.
Court records indicate that Kantwill was dishonorably discharged from the Army and had violated a Florida Department of Health agreement to stop practicing dentistry due to alcohol addiction. He was found to have relapsed and tested positive for marijuana while under pretrial supervision.
