Mar 23, 2008 1:02 pm US/Eastern
Man Confined To Home For Threatening Gov.
PARKVILLE, Md. (WJZ) ―
The man charged with threatening to kill Governor Martin O'Malley talks to Eyewitness News.
Jessica Kartalija spoke exclusively with him about what was in the e-mail he sent and why he sent it.
An American flag hangs in front of the Abbott family's Baltimore County home.
Walter Abbott, 44, says he's been losing work to illegal immigrants for years. That's why on Tuesday, he sent governor Martin O'Malley an e-mail.
Charging documents show Abbott stated he was going to kill the governor by strangulation because he was upset with the governor's views on immigration.
Mr. Abbott refuses to go on camera until he speaks with his attorney, but he told Eyewitness News that the e-mail said, "If I ever get close to you, I'd like to wrap my hands around your throat and choke the life out of you, you American sell-out."
Neighbors who didn't want to show their faces on camera say Abbott is a dedicated construction worker, struggling to support his family.
"He's a good guy. He's a good guy who reached a breaking point and probably regrets what he did, but perhaps this will stimulate more conversation and understanding about the issue," said one neighbor.
Abbott says he voluntarily relinquished a gun to Maryland State Police and underwent a psychiatric evaluation.
"I'm not crazy, just a little fed up. I lost a company and my house. Here we go again," said Abbott.
The Abbotts recently testified in Annapolis on illegal immigration legislation.
Abbott says prior to sending the e-mail he tried to contact Governor O'Malley several times.
"He wouldn't give me the time of day. I was hoping to talk to him, man to man," said Abbott.
Mr. Abbott is confined to his home, under house arrest, until he appears in court. As of yet, a court date has not been set.
Abbott included his name and home address in the e-mail he sent to Governor O'Malley. Abbott said he never intended to harm the governor.
(© MMVIII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
WJZ.COM's Most Popular Slideshows
