Tony Cook

IndyStar

State police are reviewing alleged threats against Indiana delegates who were critical of Republican presidential front-runner Donald Trump.

"What I can share with you at this time is information has been referred to the Indiana State Police that alleges threatening emails have been sent to some Indiana delegates that will be participating in the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, OH," said Capt. David Bursten, a state police spokesman. "Presently the Indiana State Police is reviewing the information to determine if it may cross the line of free speech and could be considered criminal in nature."

Several of Indiana's delegates to the 2016 Republican national convention said they received a barrage of hate mail from Trump supporters after they expressed 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!"

Trump supporters turn rage on Indiana delegates

"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."

Two of the recipients are among the 27 delegates selected Saturday from Indiana's nine congressional districts to represent the state at the Republican national convention July 18-21. A third recipient is among those seeking one of 27 at-large delegate spots that state party leaders are expected to fill on Wednesday.

"I'm appreciative that the authorities are looking into this," said Tom John, Republican chairman of Indiana's 7th Congressional District and an at-large delegate candidate who told Politico that Trump "doesn’t represent what I want my party to represent."

"We all have a right and a duty to engage in free and public discourse in our political process," John said, "but that right stops at the intimidation or menacing of others."

The delegates to the national convention could play a key role in selecting the party's nominee.

Indiana's at-large delegates are obligated to vote for the winner of Indiana's May 3 primary during the first round of voting at the national convention . District delegates must vote for the top vote-getter in their 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.

Call IndyStar reporter Tony Cook at (317) 444-6081. Follow him on Twitter: @indystartony.

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