MAGA fan threatens journo in expletive-filled voicemail about exposed scandals

An investigative reporter was told he needed to be "eradicated" after uncovering a series of scandals about stolen social media images and endorsements a local pro-Trump candidate implied she'd received but never had, according to a new report.

Tennessee News Channel 5 investigative reporter Phil Williams Friday shared audio of the threatening voicemail he says he received from a reader who took umbrage with his coverage of former Franklin mayoral candidate Gabrielle Hanson.

"You're a left-wing progressive f--k who lies and manipulates people's minds to further your stupid f--king left-wing agenda," the man says. "People like you need to be eradicated."

Williams said he decided to share the voicemail to show the impact of an increasingly polarized political climate.

"Hate creates hate," Williams wrote. "Labeling journalists as the 'enemy of the people' emboldens those who are inclined to treat us as less than human. As for me, I will NOT be intimidated!"

The man told Williams, "We're done with people like you ... We will deal with you eventually."

Hanson, a Franklin alderman and real estate developer who was challenging incumbent Mayor Ken Moore in the suburban Nashville-area town, was plagued with a series of scandals including her stealing of social media images to falsely imply endorsements she didn't receive, and an effort to cover up a prior arrest for facilitating prostitution in Dallas.

Williams also reported on Hanson's associations with white supremacists and far-right extremists, which she denied any association with them.

Ultimately, voters resoundingly rejected Hanson, with her barely winning 20 percent of the vote.

Listen to the audio below or at the link here.