FL Man Arrested After Reported Online Threats Against Trump: PD

WEST PALM BEACH, FL — A West Palm Beach man was arrested Friday after reportedly making online threats calling for the assassination of President Donald Trump, police said in a press conference Saturday.

West Palm Beach Police Chief Tony Araujo, at the press event, said a tip had come in from a man in Okeechobee on Jan. 19 to the FBI National Threat Operation Center. Shannon Atkins, 46, was arrested after he reportedly posted "violent rhetoric, political views" and threats on Facebook.

Araujo said Atkins reportedly mentioned Presidents Lincoln, Kennedy and Reagan, as well as Martin Luther King, Jr. — and President Trump and said, "Unfortunately, one is still alive." In another post, he reportedly wrote, "Bullets, please. Jesus, save America."

In another post, Atkins is accused of writing that he was banned from X, formerly known as Twitter, because he'd said: "I hope and pray someone kills him. We haven't had an assassination in years."

After probable cause was established, Araujo said surveillance began. Just before 7:30 p.m. Friday, Atkins was stopped near one of his two homes; he was driving a white 2013 BMW, the chief said.

Atkins was found with three baggies of what tested positive for cocaine, Araujo said.

"After being interviewed, he admitted writing the Facebook post but said he was joking," Araujo said. "Folks, this is not a joke."

Atkins arrested and charged with one count of written or electronic threats to kill, do bodily injury, or conduct a mass shooting or an act of terrorism, a second-degree felony; as well as cocaine possession charges, according to a release from the West Palm Beach Police Department.

Police said they notified the U.S. Secret Service, who will determine if Atkins will face any federal charges.