FL Man Arrested After Threatening Assassination of President Trump on Facebook
A 46-year-old Florida man has been arrested and charged with calling for the assassination of President Donald Trump on social media. West Palm Beach police confirmed that Shannon Depararro Atkins was arrested and charged with felony intimidation, drug possession, and smuggling contraband in a county detention facility.
Atkins allegedly made violent threats against the president on Facebook, according to a tip reported to the FBI National Threat Operations Center late Sunday. Detectives found disturbing posts, including ones that threatened Trump’s life, saying things like “I hope and pray someone kills him. We haven’t had an assassination in years.”
The U.S. Secret Service is reviewing the case and is considering possible federal charges. Atkins claimed in an interview with police that his posts were intended to be humorous and joked, but authorities are not taking the threat lightly.
While being interviewed by police, Atkins admitted to writing the Facebook posts, but told officers he was just joking around. However, authorities say threats like these must be taken seriously, especially given the frequency and severity of mass shootings and assaults on public officials in recent years.
Atkins was denied bail for the charge of threatening President Trump and faces a $5,000 bond for the drug charges. If convicted, Atkins could face severe penalties, including prison time.
The incident has sparked concerns over the spread of violence and terrorism online, as well as the importance of prosecuting those who engage in threatening and violent behavior towards public officials and civilians.
