In Douglas County, Colorado, Joe Oltmann, a conservative political activist and co-owner of DCF Guns, has sparked controversy with his recent statements advocating for the execution of President Joe Biden. Oltmann, known for his use of violent political rhetoric, made these remarks on his Conservative Daily political program, which is broadcasted online and through MyPillowGuy Mike Lindell’s far-right network, FrankSpeech.
The comments came in response to President Biden’s call for a ban on so-called assault weapons during his State of the Union address to Congress. Oltmann, expressing his defiance, stated, “I have gun stores and ranges. I’m not taking one gun off the shelf.” He further elaborated that such actions by the President constitute treason, warranting a trial and potential execution.
Oltmann, who founded FEC United, a political group that has garnered loyalty pledges from Republican officials and candidates in Colorado, has a history of calling for the execution of his political adversaries. FEC United is described by the Southern Poverty Law Center as an anti-government group with its own militia wing. Oltmann’s rhetoric has consistently involved calls for treason trials and executions, including suggestions of building gallows across the country for those he deems traitors, including U.S. Senators.
Despite his extreme views, Oltmann and DCF Guns maintain significant influence within Colorado’s conservative political circles, bridging the gap between fringe and more mainstream elements of the Republican Party. His political group, FEC United, has seen leadership from prominent Republican figures, further embedding him within the political landscape.
Oltmann’s statements have raised concerns among experts like Dr. Mark Pitcavage, a senior research fellow at the Anti-Defamation League’s Center on Extremism. Pitcavage warns that Oltmann’s platform and rhetoric could inspire violence, noting the dangerous precedent of individuals acting on such extremist views. He criticizes the framing of executions for treason as a guise for murder based on political disagreement.
Despite the controversy, Oltmann has declined opportunities to run for governor, instead focusing on his role in promoting election rigging conspiracy theories and defending against defamation lawsuits related to his claims about Dominion Voting Systems. His connections to influential Republicans both in Colorado and nationally underscore the challenge of addressing extremism that finds support within mainstream political channels.
As Oltmann continues to act as a conduit for extreme ideas and conspiracy theories, the spread of such extremism remains a concern for observers like Pitcavage, highlighting the need for vigilance in the face of rhetoric that could potentially incite violence.