A Florida resident has been arrested for allegedly making online threats against former President Donald Trump. The suspect, Shannon Atkins, 46, is accused of posting violent rhetoric on social media prior to Trump's inauguration.
The Sun reported that a series of alarming social media posts and possession of illegal substances led to the arrest of Shannon Atkins for threats targeting Donald Trump.
Shannon Atkins, a 46-year-old from Florida, was taken into custody last Friday in connection with social media posts threatening Donald Trump.
The arrest came after law enforcement agencies received a tip regarding Atkins' disturbing online behavior.
The investigation into Atkins began when it was reported that he had shared numerous posts expressing intentions of causing harm to Trump. Among the online posts, Atkins allegedly wrote, "America needs one good bullet to be saved," just a day before Trump was inaugurated.
On January 19, further alarming messages were identified, including one that suggested, “I hope and pray someone kills him,” leading to a ban from a social media platform. These posts sparked concern and prompted authorities to act swiftly.
Law enforcement officials were also troubled by Atkins' post that stated, “Bullets, please. Please Jesus! Save America,” underlining the severity of the situation. This language, combined with a meme he shared depicting Trump and his late first wife, raised red flags.
Atkins’ capture occurred during a traffic stop, where authorities discovered three bags of cocaine in his possession. He now faces charges for making written or electronic threats, which is a second-degree felony, alongside drug-related charges.
Following the arrest, Atkins was held without bond at the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Main Detention Center. Authorities explained that although Atkins claimed his posts were made in jest, the threats were treated seriously due to the tumultuous political climate.
West Palm Beach Police Chief Tony Araujo emphasized the gravity of Atkins' actions: "Folks, this is not a joke. Nothing of that sort is a joke." According to Araujo, such statements can no longer be taken lightly given recent incidents.
Given Atkins’ proximity to Trump's residence at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, the Secret Service is reportedly considering federal charges against him. This underscores the potential consequences of his alleged online behavior.
In a related development, Douglas Thrams, 23, from Indiana, was also arrested for threatening Trump through TikTok videos. Thrams faces charges of using interstate commerce to disseminate these threats, which included calls for government-related attacks.
The climate of political tension is further evidenced by two assassination attempts on Trump during the previous year. These incidents occurred in Pennsylvania and at Trump International Golf Club in Florida, highlighting the sustained danger faced by political figures.
Chief Araujo continued to stress the importance of treating all threats seriously. He provided insight into how comments, once perhaps used lightly, now carry grave implications. "In today’s climate, you really can’t say things like this," warned Araujo.
Reflecting on incidents where threats have materialized into actual violence, Araujo said, “We have incident after incident, example after example of when these threats become real.” His remarks are a cautionary reminder of the potential impact of such rhetoric.
