A federal grand jury indicted a Texas man on August 26 for threatening to kill federal judges in Indiana.

U.S. Attorneys say 45-year-old Joseph Dale Lewis from Dallas was charged by criminal complaint in July for threatening to assault, kidnap, or murder federal officials to interfere with their official duties.

According to the criminal complaint, a caller identifying himself as Lewis called the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana, saying, “Two of your (Federal) judges are going to die today, get the [expletive] out the building.” The caller ID displayed the name Joseph Lewis.

Later that day, three federal judges in Indiana received an email from an account linked to Lewis with the subject line “Trump was murdered.” The email referenced airstrikes against federal judges and the FBI in Indiana. Investigators say the message was signed “Joseph Dale Lewis.” His mother later confirmed his phone number and email address in an interview.

“Threats against federal judges and elected officials strike at the foundation of our republic, and will not be tolerated by this office,” Ryan Raybould, the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas, said. “This office is committed to standing up for our other branches of government, at both the state and federal level, so they can exercise their authorities under our Constitution free from intimidation and violence.”

Lewis’ initial appearance hearing had to be rescheduled because he disrupted proceedings with outbursts and threats towards the judge and U.S. Marshals Service officers. The defendant had to be forcibly removed from the courtroom.

“The FBI thoroughly investigates anyone who threatens the life of a federal judge or elected official,” FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock said. “We take these offenses seriously and ask the public to report threatening behavior to law enforcement.”

If convicted, Lewis faces 10 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine.