In a recent development, Matthew Lindner, a 39-year-old resident of Comfort, Texas, has changed his plea from not guilty to guilty on one count of interstate transmission of threatening communication. This change of plea comes after Lindner’s initial denial of charges related to threatening a Boston physician who specializes in treating gender nonconforming youth.
Lindner’s case is part of a growing trend in recent years, with several individuals facing charges for issuing violent threats against LGBTQ doctors and gender clinics. These threats intensified following a social media campaign by right-wing groups opposing gender-affirming care for transgender and nonbinary youth. Federal prosecutors pointed out that some of the information shared online during this campaign was inaccurate.
The incident in question occurred on August 31, 2022, when, amid the spread of “inaccurate information” about medical procedures at Boston Children’s Hospital, Lindner left a threatening voicemail for one of the affiliated doctors at the Boston-based National LGBTQIA+ Health Education Center. In the voicemail, Lindner ominously warned, “you’re all gonna burn” and mentioned that “there’s a group of people on their way to handle” the victim.
Following this alarming call, Lindner proceeded to contact the physician’s former medical practice and the university where the physician served as a faculty member, escalating the situation further. Lindner is set to be sentenced on February 6, facing a potential prison term of up to five years. However, as part of a plea agreement, prosecutors will recommend a three-month prison sentence to the court.
Joshua Levy, the acting U.S. attorney for Massachusetts, expressed his concern, stating that Lindner’s threat was “deplorable” and sent a chilling message through the medical community. He highlighted the dedication of doctors who serve pediatric patients and emphasized that they should be celebrated for their contributions to those in need. Jodi Cohen, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Boston division, condemned Lindner’s behavior as “hateful, repulsive, and threatening,” underscoring the damage done to the physician.
As this case unfolds, it sheds light on the ongoing challenges faced by LGBTQ doctors and healthcare providers, who often encounter hostility and threats simply for performing their vital work in providing care and support to the LGBTQ+ community.
Catherine Leavy of Massachusetts, charged with calling in a fake bomb threat to Boston Children’s Hospital, pleaded guilty in September and is scheduled to be sentenced on March 19, marking another incident in this troubling trend.