Texas Man Charged with making threats against Doctor Affiliated National LGBTQIA+ Health Education Center

Boston -- December 19, 2022: On Thursday, December 15, 2022,, a federal grand jury indicted a Texas man for threatening
a doctor in Boston who treated transgender patients.

Comfort, Texas resident Matthew Jordan Lindner, 38,  interstate transmission of threatening communication, and selecting the victim because of the gender identity of persons for whom the victim provided medical care.A U.S. Magistrate Judge in San Antonio held a bond hearing for Lindner after his arrest on December 2 and freed him on bond. The United States District Court Magistrate Judge Donald L. Cabell will preside over his hearing on the 22nd of December in Boston.

According to an indictment in August 2022, inaccurate information spread online regarding procedures at Boston Children’s Hospital for gender nonconforming children. It is alleged that on Aug. 31, 2022, Lindner called the Boston-based National LGBTQIA+ Health Education Center and left a threatening voicemail targeting one of the Center’s affiliated doctors. In that voicemail, Lindner allegedly said: “You sick motherf*****s, you’re all gonna burn. There’s a group of people on their way to handle [victim]. You signed your own warrant, [victim]. Castrating our children. You’ve woken up enough people. And upset enough of us. And you signed your own ticket. Sleep well, you f******, c***.”

U.S. Attorney Rollins introduced the "End Hate Now" hotline in August 2022, which could be reached at 1-83-END-H8-NOW (1-833-634-8669) to report hate crimes or incidents. To report incidents of hate, potential hate crimes, or concerns about individuals believed to be espousing the hate-filled views or actions we learn of far too often in the wake of mass shootings and/or acts of hate-based violent extremism, residents and visitors of Massachusetts are encouraged to call the hotline. Callers are welcome, but not required, to identify themselves. The service currently provides support in four languages: English, Spanish, Cantonese, and French.

The penalties for being found guilty of transmitting a threat across state lines are severe: up to five years in jail, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. A federal district court judge imposes sentences after considering the applicable statutes and the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines for criminal cases.

Officials from the U.S. Department of Justice, including U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Rollins and FBI Boston Division Special Agent in Charge Joseph R. Bonavolonta, made the news today. Rollins Human Trafficking & Civil Rights Unit Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian A. Fogerty is in charge of the prosecution.

The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

WNCTIMES by Marjorie Farrington