The U.S. Secret Service has initiated an investigation into statements made by former "Dukes of Hazzard" star John Schneider, in which he allegedly called for harm against President Joe Biden and his son Hunter Biden.
Following Schneider's public comments accusing the President of "treason" and advocating for his hanging, the federal agency responsible for protecting top officials has launched a preliminary probe.
John Schneider Probe Opened By Secret Service After ‘Dukes Of Hazzard’ Star Urges Public Hanging Of Joe Biden https://t.co/mJzQxZVA2A via @Yahoo
— jamie (@gnuman1979) December 22, 2023
Schneider, a vocal conservative and known critic of the Biden administration, swiftly deleted the controversial post.
In response to the investigation, Schneider has denied making any threats or implying violence against the President, emphasizing that his statements were an expression of concern about the state of leadership in Washington.
He asserted his entitlement to his opinion, highlighting the need for transparency and accountability in government.
Schneider criticized headlines that suggested a call for violence, arguing that careful examination of his original post would reveal no such intent.
The White House and the Secret Service have refrained from commenting officially on the investigation, with the Secret Service spokesperson stating their practice of not discussing protective intelligence matters. It was confirmed that the probe is in its preliminary stages.
Threats against the President are considered federal Class D felonies, carrying potential penalties of up to five years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and additional restrictions.
Schneider's recent controversies add to his history, which includes a brief jail stint in 2018 for failure to pay alimony to his ex-wife.
Known for his role as "Bo Duke" in the iconic TV series "Dukes of Hazzard," Schneider was also a contestant on "Dancing with the Stars" in 2018 and recently participated in the Season 10 finale of "The Masked Singer." Schneider's third wife and manager, Alicia Allain, passed away from breast cancer in February.
The controversy surrounding John Schneider's remarks has contributed to the existing political schisms in the nation, highlighting a broader pattern of conservative calls for investigations into President Biden's conduct. This aligns with the Republican Party's efforts to scrutinize Biden and his son Hunter's business activities, seeking grounds for potential impeachment.
Despite Schneider's efforts to clarify his statements and remove the contentious post, the Secret Service has acknowledged its awareness of the comments. Against the backdrop of recent accomplishments and personal trials, the actor now grapples with the repercussions of his statements within an already politically charged Hollywood environment.
