There's always a fine line between acknowledging the threat or ignoring it. In online situations, I do agree that ignoring the threat is the best cause of action because it's difficult for anybody to take real action.

If a person gives a death threat on a forum, for example, then ban the account. If you feel that it has real life consequences, then report it to the police when needed. But would you really want to make a post talking about how you feel about the death threat and why you ban the account?

But then, I believe this is a PR move to show that they care about the employee, and to encourage good customers to show their gratitude to the devs. Perhaps the devs are really on the brink of collapse, mentally, so a little support would be helpful.