A Kansas man was arrested after allegedly posting public threats to kill President Donald Trump at a Monday rally in the state, according to a Justice Department release cited by ABC News.
What prosecutors say was posted
ABC News reported that federal authorities identified the suspect as Jaden Read, 24, and alleged he posted multiple threatening comments on Facebook threads under KAKE News coverage of Trump’s visit.
According to the Justice Department, Read allegedly wrote: “Let’s shoot Trump honestly, where’s our shooter? I’m tired of living this money life.” He later added, “I just got a 308 and 305 round and I’m killing this pedo.”
In another comment, he allegedly wrote: “Can we shoot him in Kansas please I will myself.” A minute later, he posted: “IK where your speech will be. Already mapped out roofs around. Finna get kirked since yall couldn’t help him.”
Tip, arrest—and what hasn’t been shown
ABC News reported that a tip about the posts led authorities to arrest Read on Saturday in Clearwater, Kansas. Prosecutors did not indicate in court papers that any firearms were recovered at the time of arrest, or that any of the planning described in the posts had occurred.
“Political violence and threats of political violence will not be tolerated,” U.S. Attorney Ryan Kriegshauser said in a statement. “The First Amendment allows for robust disagreement but there are constraints. I caution people to stay within the bounds of constitutionally protected speech.”
Rally goes on; agencies involved
Trump spoke Monday evening at a campaign rally for Republican Sen. Roger Marshall in Park City, Kansas, ABC News reported. Trump did not mention the threats at the event. According to ABC News, the White House did not respond to a request for comment and referred questions to the U.S. Secret Service.
ABC News said the investigation involves the U.S. Secret Service, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, the Kansas Highway Patrol and the Wichita Police Department.
