Feds Arrest Man Who Threatened to Kill Trump

Federal authorities have arrested an Arizona man accused of making chilling threats to kill President-elect Donald Trump and his family. The suspect, Manuel Tamayo-Torres, allegedly posted a series of videos on Facebook showing him brandishing weapons, including an AR-15-style rifle, while making violent and bizarre claims about Trump.

Tamayo-Torres, 41, was taken into custody Monday near San Diego as he prepared to relocate, according to court records. He faces multiple federal charges, including making threats against a president or president-elect and falsifying firearm purchase documents.

Disturbing Online Content

The videos, described in court documents as “numerous” and “curse-laden,” featured Tamayo-Torres making vague but direct threats.

“You’re gonna die,” he allegedly said in one video posted last Thursday. “Your son’s gonna die. Your whole family is going to die. … I’m going to put a hole in your face.”

In another video from earlier this month, he allegedly held up what appeared to be a white AR-15-style rifle with a 30-round magazine, declaring his intention to harm the president-elect.

Court filings also revealed Tamayo-Torres claimed Trump and the Secret Service had kidnapped and trafficked his children, though investigators noted there was no evidence he has children.

Close Proximity to a Rally

One video, dated August 23, was recorded outside the Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona, where Trump held a campaign rally that same day. During the rally, Trump addressed the risks he faces as a public figure.

“When you stand up, you bring on some trouble for yourself, but you have to do what’s right,” Trump told the crowd, referencing an unrelated assassination attempt by a Pennsylvania man a month earlier.

History of Firearms Violations

The investigation into Tamayo-Torres revealed a troubling history. Photos on his Facebook account showed him holding various firearms, including a bullpup-style shotgun and a rifle. Despite this, Tamayo-Torres was legally barred from owning guns due to a 2003 felony assault conviction in San Diego.

In 2022, he allegedly lied on federal forms while attempting to purchase a pistol at a Phoenix gun store, falsely claiming he had no prior felony convictions. Those false statements led to additional charges.

Arrest and Pending Case

Tamayo-Torres was arrested without incident in California, though the charges against him were filed in Arizona. As of Tuesday evening, no attorney had been listed to represent him in court.

The federal charges, which include threats against a president-elect and falsifying firearm purchase documents, could result in significant prison time if he is convicted.

Broader Concerns

The case underscores the heightened tensions surrounding political figures and the risks they face in polarized times. Experts warn that the prevalence of online threats, particularly those amplified by social media platforms, has made it easier for individuals to escalate from rhetoric to dangerous action.

The FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives continue to investigate the case. Authorities stress that any threats against public officials will be treated with the utmost seriousness.