Disgruntled Long Island Man Threatens U.S. Rep. Garbarino: Police

LAKE RONKONKOMA, NY — A Long Island man was arrested on Wednesday after making a death threat against U.S. Rep. Andrew Garbarino, Nassau County police said.

Special Investigations Section Detectives said 64-year-old Kenneth Gasper threatened Garbarino with death "over the telephone" related to "a recent congressional vote" that he did not agree with.

Garbarino, a Republican, supported President Joe Biden's infrastructure bill.

The Bayport congressman's spokesperson told News 12 that there were numerous instances of harassment — over the phone and in person at their offices. There were also hate messages posted outside of the congressman's Massapequa Park office, the outlet reported.

"Unfortunately, there's been so much misinformation circulation and it's causing a lot of anger and confusion, but the truth is that the Infrastructure Bill is not the Reconciliation Bill. It's about paving roads, repairing bridges and bringing jobs back to Long Island. Anyone saying otherwise is trafficking in lies," Garbarino said in a statement to News 12.

Gasper, of Lake Ronkonkoma, has been charged with second-degree aggravated harassment and was arraigned Thursday, police said. He is due back in court on Nov. 24 at First District Court.

Police did not release any further details.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.