The key facts

  • Jayden J. Reed, 24, charged with threatening Trump ahead of his visit to Wichita on October 19
  • The investigation began on October 15 after a Crime Stoppers tip about Facebook comments
  • Reed was arrested in Clearwater on Saturday and, according to the Justice Department, is expected to remain in custody pending a hearing

Charges and Circumstances of the Case

The US Department of Justice announced on Monday that a Kansas resident is charged with threats against President Donald Trump following a series of social media posts ahead of the president's scheduled visit to Wichita. The criminal charge against 24-year-old Jayden J. Reed was brought on Saturday in the form of a complaint filed by the Kansas district attorney's office.

Course of the Investigation

According to authorities, the investigation began on October 15 after an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers pointing to comments on Facebook under a KAKE News article about Trump's visit to Wichita scheduled for October 19. According to the charge, Reed wrote comments calling for the president to be shot and stated that he had purchased ammunition and intended to kill Trump. The Justice Department quotes him: 'Let's shoot Trump, honestly, where's our shooter? I'm tired of living this money life' and 'I just picked up 308 and 305 rounds, and I'm killing this pedophile.'

Arrest and the Prosecution's Position

Reed was arrested on Saturday in Clearwater and transferred into federal custody. According to the department, he was expected to remain in custody pending a hearing on the issue of pretrial detention. Federal prosecutor Ryan A. Kriegehauser condemned threats of political violence, while emphasizing the distinction between criminal threats and political speech protected by the First Amendment. 'Political violence and threats of political violence will not be tolerated,' he said, adding that the First Amendment allows vigorous disagreement but has limits, and calling on citizens to remain within constitutionally protected speech.