Indiana state police: Emails to delegates not criminal

A state police review of alleged threats against Indiana delegates to the Republican National Convention has found that the messages were not criminal.

"The messages brought to the attention of the Indiana State Police constitute political speech and do not rise to the level of being criminal in nature," said Capt. Dave Bursten, a state police spokesman.

Several of Indiana's delegates to the 2016 Republican convention in Cleveland said they received a barrage of hate mail from supporters of GOP front-runner Donald Trump after expressing reservations about the billionaire real estate developer and reality TV star in a Politico story published online Saturday.

The emails warn the delegates are being watched and imply they could be targeted.

"You sorry (expletive)!" one email said. "I hope the worst for you and yours!"

"Think before you take a step down the wrong path," another said, "the American people want to have faith in your but it looks like a future in hiding is more appealing."

"Good luck becoming a delegate," a third said, "we are watching you."

Trump's Indiana campaign called the emails "deplorable."

Delegates to the national convention could play a key role in selecting the party's nominee. Thirty of Indiana's 57 delegates must vote for the winner of the state's May 3 primary during the first round of voting at the national convention July 18-21. The other 27 delegates must vote for the top vote-getter in their congressional district.

But if no candidate has a majority of delegates on the first ballot at the convention, then the delegates are free to cast their votes for anyone they choose.

A candidate needs 1,237 delegate votes to win the GOP nomination outright.

Although a preliminary review of the messages did not warrant further investigation, Bursten said state police appreciate citizens practicing the principle of “see something, say something.”