California Man Arrested for Facebook Threats Against Trump: What You Need to Know

Federal prosecutors have charged a Southern California man for allegedly threatening to kill former President Trump on Facebook after the last election. Thomas Eugene Streavel, a 73-year-old from San Bernardino County, was indicted on three counts for making threats against a president-elect.

The indictment, revealed last week, includes several angry messages Streavel allegedly wrote both before and after the election, some expressing a desire for Trump’s assassination. The charges focus on three specific messages from November.

Streavel was arrested on Monday and entered a not guilty plea during his arraignment. He was released on a $10,000 bond. The Secret Service is currently investigating the case.

Attorney General Pam Bondi commented, noting the seriousness of the charges against Streavel. “This defendant is charged with threatening the life of our President – a man who has already survived two deranged attempts on his life,” she stated. Trump faced two assassination attempts during the election season: one involving a shooter at a rally in Pennsylvania and another where a man attempted to attack him at his Florida golf club.

If convicted, the maximum penalty for these threats is five years in prison, although judges often give lesser sentences.

Threats against public figures have been increasing. Recently, the Justice Department has frequently charged individuals for threatening Trump, former President Biden, and other notable leaders. A related case involved a Romanian man who pled guilty to orchestrating bomb threats against several members of Congress.

This trend in threats raises concerns about the safety of our leaders. According to a report by the U.S. Capitol Police, the number of threats against Congress members has surged significantly over the past years. In 2021 alone, the Department saw over 9,600 threats reported, reflecting a broader shift in political discourse and public sentiment.

This case underlines the gravity of political threats today, highlighting not just legal repercussions but the societal implications of escalating violence in political discussions. The situation urges a collective reflection on how we engage with each other in such polarized times.



Source link

San Bernardino, Donald Trump, Trump Administration