The goal of prosecuting threats is because threats are violence, or at least are damaging in and of themselves. Threats are also illegal under 18 U.S. Code § 8

The goal of prosecuting threats is because threats are violence, or at least are damaging in and of themselves. Threats are also illegal under 18 U.S. Code § 875(c). Even if there was no intent to carry out the threat, if the threat can be interpreted by a reasonable person as being intended to cause fear, it counts as a true threat. [1] [1] https://verdict.justia.com/2014/12/10/supreme-court-considers-true-threats-first-amendment https://verdict.justia.com/2014/12/10/supreme-court-consider...