Arizona Resident in Custody for Alleged Presidential Threats

A 66-year-old Arizona man has been arrested for allegedly threatening to kill former President Donald Trump, coinciding with Trump’s visit to the U.S.-Mexico border.

At a Glance

Ronald Lee Syvrud, 66, was arrested for allegedly threatening to kill Donald Trump.
The arrest occurred on the same day Trump visited the U.S.-Mexico border.
Syvrud was apprehended during a traffic stop and booked on several outstanding warrants.
The arrest comes just weeks after a failed assassination attempt on Trump.
Authorities prioritized locating Syvrud as part of the operations plan for Trump’s visit.

Arrest Details and Background

Ronald Lee Syvrud, a resident of Benson in Cochise County, Arizona, was taken into custody on August 22, 2024, following alleged threats against former President Donald Trump. The Cochise County Sheriff’s Office apprehended Syvrud during a traffic stop at approximately 2:30 p.m., coinciding with Trump’s visit to the U.S.-Mexico border in the area.

According to authorities, Syvrud had made death threats against Trump in social media posts over the previous two weeks. The Sheriff’s Office had prioritized locating Syvrud as part of their security operations for Trump’s visit.

Outstanding Warrants and Charges

Upon arrest, Syvrud was booked on several outstanding warrants, revealing a history of legal troubles across multiple jurisdictions. These warrants included charges for driving under the influence (DUI) and failure to appear in court in Wisconsin, a felony hit and run charge in Graham County, Arizona, and failure to register as a sex offender in Coconino County, Arizona.

“As part of the operations plan in place for the visit of candidate Donald Trump on today’s date, locating this subject was a priority,” the agency said in a statement.

The Cochise County Sheriff’s Office confirmed Syvrud’s capture within county lines, stating that he was taken into custody without incident. However, as of the time of reporting, Syvrud’s name did not appear on the county jail inmate list, and no information was available regarding a court date or attorney representation.

Trump’s Response and Recent Security Concerns

When asked about the threats and subsequent arrest, Trump expressed little surprise. He attributed the incident to his tough stance on crime, stating, “No, I have not heard that, but I am not that surprised and the reason is because I want to do things that are very bad for the bad guys.”

This incident occurs in the wake of a recent assassination attempt on Trump. On July 13, 2024, Thomas Matthew Crooks allegedly shot at Trump during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, resulting in a minor injury to Trump and the tragic death of rally attendee Corey Comperatore, who was hailed as a hero for shielding his family.

The Secret Service has confirmed that they are investigating Syvrud’s threats but cannot provide further details due to the ongoing nature of the investigation. This case underscores the continued security challenges faced by high-profile political figures and the importance of robust protective measures.

Broader Context of Political Threats

Syvrud’s arrest is not an isolated incident in the current political climate. Earlier this month, a 66-year-old Virginia man was arrested for making death threats against Vice President Kamala Harris and other public officials, highlighting a concerning trend of threats against political figures across party lines.

As the 2024 presidential campaign intensifies, law enforcement agencies remain vigilant in addressing potential security risks to candidates and elected officials. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the volatile political atmosphere and the critical need for effective security measures to protect public servants and maintain the integrity of the democratic process.