NYC trial ending for NJ blogger accused of death threats against judges in Ill. handgun ruling

NYC trial ending for man accused of judge threats

NEW YORK — The trial of a New Jersey blogger accused of threatening three judges who upheld handgun bans is wrapping up in New York City.

Earlier this year, Hal Turner was charged with threatening to harm a federal judge after prosecutors said he wrote that the Illinois judges “must die” for their decision protecting handgun bans in Chicago and suburban Oak Park. Authorities say he also posted the judges’ photos, phone numbers and work addresses online.

Prosecutors at the 47-year-old Turner’s trial in Brooklyn claim he knew his rants could result in violence. His attorney says he was a harmless shock jock exercising freedom of speech.

Closing arguments were set for Friday. If convicted, Turner would face up to 10 years in prison.

The judges were unharmed.