Texas Man Charged With Making Terroristic Threats
Jason Riggs was arrested for allegedly posting online threats against Representative Jeff Leach's family.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Terrorism
On Sept. 13, 2026, Jason Riggs allegedly posted threats on X directed at Representative Jeff Leach. Riggs remains in custody at the Guadalupe County jail following his arrest.
Why it matters
The threats followed public criticism by Representative Leach regarding social media posts made by Bo French about University of Texas students. Law enforcement responded by stationing officers at the home of Representative Leach.
Jason Riggs is currently held in the Guadalupe County jail on a $150,000 bond for terroristic threat charges. He was initially arrested on Sept. 15, 2026, for failing to appear on an unrelated felony theft charge.
The players
Jason Riggs
He is a 48-year-old resident of San Antonio currently facing charges for terroristic threats.
Jeff Leach
He serves as a state representative based in Allen.
Bo French
He is a political candidate scheduled to face Jon Rosenthal in the November election.
Jon Rosenthal
He is a political candidate scheduled to face Bo French in the upcoming election.
The details
Riggs admitted to a Department of Public Safety officer that he authored the posts, which included a reply to a photo of Representative Leach and his family. The posts, which remained online as of Oct. 5, 2026, expressed an intent to harm the lawmaker's family members.
Timeline
Sept. 13, 2026: Riggs allegedly posted threats against Jeff Leach.
Sept. 15, 2026: Authorities arrested Riggs on an unrelated theft charge.
Oct. 5, 2026: One of the threatening posts remained visible on X.
Oct. 6, 2026: Riggs remained in custody at the Guadalupe County jail.
Nov. 3, 2026: Bo French is scheduled to face Jon Rosenthal in an election.
Legal Context
This case follows a documented pattern of rising security concerns for state lawmakers across the region. Recent legislative sessions have seen increased scrutiny of how law enforcement handles digital threats against public officials.
Law enforcement took immediate protective measures by stationing officers at the home of Representative Jeff Leach. Residents in the Allen area may notice an increased security presence around the representative while the investigation proceeds.
The takeaway
Online threats directed at public officials are taken seriously by law enforcement and can lead to significant criminal charges. Citizens should be aware that digital communications are monitored and may result in immediate custody.
What happens next
Bo French is scheduled to appear on the ballot against Jon Rosenthal in the election on Nov. 3, 2026.
Further reading
For more on how authorities monitor threats against officials, visit the Terrorism section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Dallas Morning News.
