A Florida man, Shannon Atkins, 46, was arrested for allegedly making violent threats on social media about assassinating former President Donald Trump, authorities announced on Saturday. The West Palm Police Department and the FBI were involved in the investigation following a tip-off.
Details of the Threats
On January 19, the FBI received a report from a man in Okeechobee, Florida, who alerted authorities to Atkins’ disturbing Facebook posts. According to West Palm Police Chief Tony Araujo, the posts contained violent rhetoric aimed at Trump.
One of Atkins’ posts reportedly referenced past assassinations of U.S. presidents, saying, “Lincoln, JFK, Reagan, and Trump. Unfortunately, one of them is still alive. Bullets, please. Jesus save America.”
Another post allegedly read, “I’ve been banned from X because I said I hope and pray someone kills him. We haven’t had an assassination in years.”
Arrest and Charges
On January 20, detectives discovered the threatening posts and began monitoring Atkins. Police stopped him on Friday evening near his home in a 2013 BMW. During the arrest, suspected cocaine was found in his pocket.
Atkins admitted to writing the Facebook posts but claimed they were jokes. Chief Araujo stressed, “This is not a joke. Nothing of that sort is a joke.”
Atkins faces charges of:
- Written or electronic threats to kill, do bodily harm, or commit an act of terrorism (a second-degree felony).
- Felony drug possession.
He is being held without bond at the Palm Beach County Jail, and his case remains under investigation.
Other Details
- Weapons: Police did not find any weapons during Atkins’ arrest, nor have they confirmed whether he owns firearms.
- Business Closure: Atkins reportedly owned a bakery, which Google lists as permanently closed.
- Secret Service Involvement: The Secret Service has been notified and will decide if federal charges are warranted.
Threats of violence, even made as jokes, are treated with utmost seriousness by law enforcement. While Atkins remains in custody, the investigation highlights the growing concern over politically charged threats on social media. Authorities urge the public to report any suspicious activity or posts to prevent potential harm.