Man Arrested for Allegedly Making Threats Against Donald Trump

An Arizona man has been arrested for allegedly threatening to kill former President Donald Trump during his recent border visit.

At a Glance

Ronald Lee Syvrud, 66, was arrested in Cochise County, Arizona, for making death threats against Donald Trump
Syvrud allegedly made threats on social media over the past two weeks
The arrest coincided with Trump’s visit to the US-Mexico border in Cochise County
Syvrud faces multiple outstanding warrants
The incident highlights ongoing security concerns for public figures amid heightened political tensions

Arrest Made as Trump Visits Arizona Border

Law enforcement officials in Cochise County, Arizona, have apprehended Ronald Lee Syvrud, a 66-year-old man accused of making death threats against former President Donald Trump. The arrest came as Trump visited the area to tour the US-Mexico border, highlighting immigration issues central to his 2024 presidential campaign.

Authorities had been actively searching for Syvrud, who allegedly posted threatening messages on social media over the past two weeks. The Cochise County Sheriff’s Office, working in conjunction with local, state, and federal partners, prioritized locating Syvrud as part of their security operations for Trump’s visit.

Suspect’s Criminal Background Emerges

As details of the case unfold, it has come to light that Syvrud was already wanted on several outstanding warrants. These include charges of driving under the influence and failure to appear in court in Wisconsin, a felony hit-and-run charge in Graham County, Arizona, and failure to register as a s*x offender in Coconino County, Arizona.

“This subject has been taken into custody without incident,” the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office posted.

The arrest was made during a traffic stop around 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, the same day as Trump’s border visit. Syvrud, a resident of Benson, Arizona, located about 50 miles southeast of Tucson, was described as 6 feet tall, 220 pounds, with green eyes and white/gray hair.

Trump’s Response and Ongoing Security Concerns

When asked about the threat, Trump appeared unaware but unsurprised. He stated, “No, I have not heard that, but I am not that surprised and the reason is because I want to do things that are very bad for the bad guys.” This incident underscores the ongoing security challenges faced by high-profile political figures, particularly in a climate of heightened political tensions.

🚨 **Trump Unaware of Manhunt for Suspect Threatening His Life**

Former President Trump said he wasn't informed about the manhunt for Ronald Lee Syvrud, a suspect accused of threatening him. Despite the potential danger, Trump emphasized he has "a job to do" as he continues his… pic.twitter.com/g0kaIzA1Gi

— Agentis GeoP (@AgentisGeop) August 22, 2024

The U.S. Secret Service, responsible for protecting current and former presidents, has acknowledged awareness of the case. As is standard procedure, they investigate all threats against their protectees. This recent threat against Trump is not an isolated incident, as authorities have dealt with various security concerns involving political figures in recent months.

Despite the potential threat, Trump continued his scheduled visit to the border, with security measures in place, including the presence of snipers. During his visit, the former president criticized Vice President Kamala Harris’s handling of border security, referring to her as a “lazy” border czar and blaming the current administration for allowing undocumented immigrants into the country.

As the 2024 presidential campaign intensifies, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the complex security landscape surrounding political events and public figures. Law enforcement agencies continue to work diligently to address and mitigate potential threats, ensuring the safety of candidates and officials as they engage with the public on critical issues facing the nation.