Congresswoman Mace’s full victim impact statement to be read aloud during Samuel Cain’s third bond hearing today:
Your Honor,
Thank you for allowing this statement to be presented. I offer it today knowing this is now the third bond hearing for the defendant, Samuel Theodore Cain. I respectfully urge the Court to consider not only the threat which brought us here initially, but the pattern of conduct which has continued and escalated since his arrest.
Earlier this year, Mr. Cain issued a direct, explicit threat to murder me. He threatened to shoot me. His statement was not ambiguous, emotional, or made in passing, it was targeted and violent.
At the first and second bond hearings, the Court denied bond because of the seriousness of this threat. Since then, the danger has not diminished. In fact, it has grown.
I have been informed since the defendant has been in jail, Mr. Cain continued to make threats against my life. More alarming, during a discussion about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, a jailhouse informant asked him:
“If you had the opportunity to kill Congresswoman Nancy Mace, would you?”
According to the informant, Mr. Cain answered, “yes.”
The informant later came forward after his release and reported this to law enforcement.
This is not the behavior of someone who has reconsidered his actions, who regrets what he said, or who can be trusted to abide by conditions of release. This is the behavior of someone who remains a danger to society – someone who has reaffirmed an intent to carry out violence if given the chance.
When the original threat came in, my staff urged me to seek immediate shelter in a secure location. Law enforcement had to increase patrols around my home and offices. My daily routines, my children’s safety planning, and my staff’s operations all changed instantly. This disruption continues today.
As a Member of Congress, I accept scrutiny. I do not accept credible threats on my life. No elected official — regardless of party or position — should have to live or serve under ongoing, escalating threats of violence.
Your Honor, this is now the third time the question of bond has been brought before the Court. Each time, the evidence of danger has only increased. Mr. Cain’s own words confirm he continues to pose a threat, even from within a secure facility.
During this time of political violence, especially after the assassination of Charlie Kirk, we cannot afford even one mistake. One mistake is the difference between life and death.
For these reasons, I respectfully ask the Court to deny bond for the third time, or, if bond must be considered, to set it at the highest level permitted under South Carolina law.
Releasing a defendant who has twice been denied bond and has since escalated his threats — including confirming he would kill me if given the chance — would put me, my family, my staff, and the public at unacceptable risk.
This is a serious crime. It must continue to be treated as such.
Thank you, Your Honor.
