Rocky Hill Man Accused Of Threatening CT State Senator: Police

ROCKY HILL, CT — A local resident is accused of threatening State Sen. Matthew Lesser and other Democratic lawmakers via social media posts.

Robert Pabich, 43, of Rocky Hill, was charged on Oct. 24 with electronic stalking, disorderly conduct, and second-degree intimidation based on bigotry or bias.

Lesser, a Democrat, represents Rocky Hill, Wethersfield, Cromwell, Middletown and Newington.

According to police, Pabich posted a threatening comment on social media after Lesser posted a photo of himself and others at a No Kings protest in Hartford.

Pabich wrote in part, “Take note of this picture. Everyone of these pieces of trash need bullets shot directly into their faces…. Just like they did to Charlie Kirk,” police said.

Police went to speak with Pabich about his post and whether he wanted to harm himself or others, court documents show. He told police, “I'm the most peaceful non-violent guy." According to police, Pabich said, “I speak my mind,” and “I try not to overtly threaten people,” and “I won' t threaten someone directly, but I’ll say things.”

He told police he did not want to harm himself or others, and had no plans to do so.

According to police, Pabich has a history of making threatening and derogatory, anti-Semitic comments toward politicians, including Lesser.

Lesser told investigators that Pabich has publicly referenced his home address, which caused him to fear for his family’s safety. In one comment, Pabich referenced Lesser and an AR-15, according to police.

Lesser told police Pabich has written on social media that he deserves the “Paul Pelosi” treatment, an apparent reference to the home invasion and attack on the husband of Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi.

Police went to Pabich’s Rocky Hill residence to serve a risk protection order and risk warrant. They seized four rifles and high caliber military grade ammunition, court documents show.

Lawmakers on both sides of the political aisle condemned the threats.

U.S. Rep. John Larson, a Democrat, said in a statement, “I am grateful that Senator Lesser and his family are safe.”

“No one should ever be targeted for their faith, their race, or their political beliefs,” Larson said. “ In the United States of America, we resolve our differences at the ballot box.”

State Sen. Stephen Harding issued a statement on behalf of the Senate Republican caucus following the threats against Lesser and other Democratic state lawmakers.

“Connecticut Senate Republicans condemn these vile threats in the strongest of terms,” Harding said. “We are relieved that Sen. Matthew Lesser and our other colleagues are safe. We will continue to call out all forms of political violence. We thank law enforcement and state prosecutors for their work.”

Pabich has not yet entered a plea, and he is due to appear in Superior Court in New Britain on Dec. 19.