Westchester County District Attorney Susan Cacace announced that a Yonkers man was arrested on Friday, June 13, and charged with aggravated harassment of a judge, a class E felony, for allegedly sending threatening communications to acting state Supreme Court Justice Susan M. Capeci. Threats against public and elected officials are not uncommon and can sometimes have deadly consequences. Across the country, the following day, a congresswoman in Minnesota was shot dead in her home along with her husband.

 

Cacece said Nicholas Leo, 57, of Yonkers, was arraigned Friday afternoon before White Plains City Court Judge John P. Collins Jr. ad was remanded in custody to the Westchester County Jail pending further proceedings. She said Collins further issued a temporary order of protection on behalf of Capeci.

 

Reacting to the arrest, Cacace said, “At a time of increasing threats to members of the judiciary, the defendant’s alleged conduct is especially alarming. “As U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts observed in his 2024 report on the federal judiciary, ‘violence, intimidation, and defiance directed at judges because of their work undermine our Republic, and are wholly unacceptable.’

 

She continued, “We must never allow this type of conduct to become normalized. The sanctity of our legal process demands nothing less.”
She said Leo, a litigant before Capeci in criminal and matrimonial proceedings, is accused of sending her electronic messages containing threatening communications. Capeci presides over Westchester County’s Integrated Domestic Violence court.

 

In one message dated May 27, as alleged in a felony complaint, Leo told her, “I’m going to beat you.” In another message, dated May 30, he is accused of saying, “I wish you die tonight in a car fire.” According to the felony complaint, on June 11, Leo allegedly wrote in yet another message, “I warned you month after month after month. If you take my kids from me for no reason, which you did, it’s not gonna go well,” and “I hope you die.”

 

Cacace said Leo is a Yonkers-based attorney with an active registration status and is scheduled to return to court on June 18. He is deemed innocent unless and until convicted in a court of law. The investigation was conducted by the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office.

 

Meanwhile, on June 14, Rep. Melissa Hortman of Minnesota and her husband were assassinated in their home by a person posing as law enforcement. The same person allegedly attempted to assassinate Sen. John Hoffman of Minnesota and his wife. They were reportedly shot several times but it is hoped they will survive according to Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, former vice presidential candidate for former Democratic presidential nominee and former Vice President Kamala Harris. Walz believes the incidents were politically motivated.

 

New York State Majority Leader Andrea Stewart Cousins released a statement on Saturday in response to the incidents, writing in part, “We all share the same sunrise and rest under the same stars. Political disagreement can never justify violence among us.” Her full statement is attached below.

New York State Assembly Majority Speaker Carl Heastie also released a statement in response to the news, saying, “Earlier today we learned of the horrifying attacks on Representative Melissa Hortman and Senator John Hoffman, members of the Minnesota State Legislature, and their spouses. I am devastated for their families and the people of Minnesota. Even at this most contentious time, violence is never the answer. Our priority should always be the safety of our communities.”

 

He added, “I am in close contact with Governor Hochul to ensure there is an increased law enforcement presence at the State Capitol. We are working to get additional details about the tragedies that occurred in Minnesota, and will continue to monitor the situation as it may relate to New York. I urge anyone involved in any public events to remain vigilant and stay safe.”

 

Meanwhile, Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay also issued a statement, writing, “First and foremost, my heart goes out to the families and loved ones of former Minnesota Speaker Melissa Hortman and Sen. John Hoffman. This tragic event is being felt across the country. Anyone who serves in public office does so knowing they’ll face scrutiny. But the escalation in attacks, rhetoric and overall temperature cannot be denied.”

 

He added, “We’re fortunate to have incredible professionals at the Capitol and a State Police presence who do a great job keeping us safe. I don’t think there’s any question their jobs have become more difficult. Information is still coming in about the Minnesota shootings. But, regardless of viewpoints or party enrollment, all Americans can agree—violence in the name of political ideology is unconscionable and the antithesis of our nation’s principles.”

 

Last year, U.S. President Donald Trump was shot in the ear in July 2024 during a rally in Pennsylvania but survived the shooting, as reported. Norwood News readers later weighed in on the incident and Bronx congressman, Rep. Ritchie Torres (NY-15), later lead efforts to pass the Enhanced Presidential Security Act of 2024 in the wake of the attempted assassination.

 

A subsequent assassination attempt on the president at his Florida golf course was reportedly foiled by law enforcement, and as reported, in November 2024, federal prosecutors charged three people linked to an Iranian network which was allegedly plotting to assassinate the president and other Americans.

Call 911 if you are in immediate danger.