A Connecticut man has been arrested and charged with threatening to kill Rep. Adam Schiff Adam Bennett SchiffTop Democrats call for DOJ watchdog to probe Barr over possible 2020 election influence Overnight Defense: Top admiral says 'no condition' where US should conduct nuclear test 'at this time' | Intelligence chief says Congress will get some in-person election security briefings Overnight Defense: House to vote on military justice bill spurred by Vanessa Guillén death | Biden courts veterans after Trump's military controversies MORE (D-Calif.), chairman of the House Intelligence Committee.

CNN reported Monday that 62-year-old Robert Michael Phelps was charged with making a threat against Schiff's life via Schiff's website, which allows constituents of the California congressman to request a meeting with him.

A criminal complaint alleges that a request submitted by Phelps detailed his desire to "spit in [Schiff's] face," with the man reportedly adding: "I want to kill you with my bare hands and smash your sick little round fat lying face in."

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Phelps admitted to sending the message but did not see it as "threatening" when questioned by investigators, according to an affidavit reviewed by CNN.

"Upon reviewing the email Phelps stated he was a Republican and needed to protect 'his president,' " reads the criminal complaint.

Schiff's office declined to comment to CNN on the arrest. If convicted, Phelps could face up to 10 years in prison.

The California congressman was a top figure active in the impeachment investigation and subsequently became the target of ire from many Republican fans of President Trump Donald John TrumpObama calls on Senate not to fill Ginsburg's vacancy until after election Planned Parenthood: 'The fate of our rights' depends on Ginsburg replacement Progressive group to spend M in ad campaign on Supreme Court vacancy MORE, including Trump himself, who frequently mocked the Democratic lawmaker on Twitter.