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Curbelo Forgives Man Accused Of Threatening Him During Press Conference

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MIAMI (CBSMiami) - A 19-year-old Homestead man who was arrested last week after allegedly threatening to kill Republican Congressman Carlos Curbelo appeared with the congressman at a news conference Thursday afternoon.

Police arrested Pierre Alejandro Verges Castro after he tweeted "I will kill Carlos Curbelo" on his personal Twitter page.

"Early this week, I informed the state attorney I had no interest in pressing charges against Pierre. Yesterday when he and I met, Pierre offered his sincere apologies. Today I want everyone to know I forgave him," Curbelo said.

"As for Pierre, I wish him the best. He made a mistake and his life should not be ruined because of it. I truly believe in second chances," he added.

Verges Castro remained silent during the press conference.

"Pierre has an open case with the state attorney, so he will not be speaking today but once his case is settled he will have plenty to say," Curbelo said.

Verges Castro was arrested by the FBI in conjunction with Capitol Police and Homestead Police and charged with written threats to kill or do bodily injury.

This is what Curbelo tweeted after the initial threat was made, "Political intoxication is making some Americans more prone to both verbal and physical violence," he tweeted. "It's a serious crisis and we all have to do our part to put an end to it. Not sure what's more disturbing; the fact that someone tweeted this or that 4 accounts liked it."

Thursday's news conference was held at the Homestead Police Department.

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