Man charged with threatening Colo. rep. in court

A man accused of threatening a Colorado lawmaker for pushing for stricter gun control measures is set to make his first court appearance.

Franklin Sain is due to appear before a Denver judge Friday afternoon to be advised of the charges against him. His appearance comes as state senators debate a series of gun control bills.

The 42-year-old former technology executive is accused of sending threatening emails, voicemails and a letter to Rep. Rhonda Fields of Aurora.

In one message, Sain allegedly told Fields he hoped someone would “Gifords” her, an apparent reference to the shooting and wounding of U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords.

Sain’s attorney says the messages were not threats, and are protected by free speech.

He’s been charged with attempting to influence a public servant and harassment.