- The Washington Times - Thursday, June 20, 2013

A Houston man was arrested Tuesday after threatening to kidnap, murder and burn U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz and his father and also “blow up” the sun if he wasn’t paid a $3 million ransom, CBS Houston reported.

Nick Gates, 37, admitted to FBI agents that he made the June 5 calls to Cruz’s offices in Austin and San Antonio, identifying himself as Abolfazi Akbori and telling Sen. Cruz that he had a choice: Show me the money or “lose the sun.”

“Due to government misconduct the sun would blow up and said he might be able to prevent the sun from blowing up if he receives $3 million,” he added.

Another message stated that Mr. Gates “would kidnap, murder and burn Ted Cruz and his father.”

Mr. Gates told agents that he had previously been hospitalized at the Harris County Mental Health Center, CBS Houston reported. He is currently being held in the Harris County jail on a $10,000 bond and is charged with making a terroristic threat.

• Jessica Chasmar can be reached at jchasmar@washingtontimes.com.

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