Idaho Resident Accused of Plot Against High-Profile Figure

Security threats text beside pen and compass on notebook.

An Idaho man faces federal charges for threatening to assassinate former President Donald Trump, following a series of alarming phone calls to Mar-a-Lago.

At a Glance

Warren Jones Crazybull charged with threatening to kill former President Trump
Made at least nine threatening calls to Mar-a-Lago on July 31
Arrest followed two weeks after an assassination attempt on Trump in Pennsylvania
Crazybull claims Trump is responsible for loss of tribal land
If convicted, he faces up to five years in prison

Threatening Calls Prompt Swift Action

Warren Jones Crazybull, an Idaho resident, has been arrested and charged with making threats against former President Donald Trump. The incident unfolded when Crazybull allegedly made at least nine threatening phone calls to Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort on July 31. During these calls, he reportedly expressed his intention to travel to Bedminster, New Jersey, where Trump owns a golf club, with the purpose of harming the former president.

The security team at Mar-a-Lago promptly reported these threats to the Secret Service, triggering an immediate investigation. Using cellphone tracking data provided by T-Mobile, agents were able to pinpoint Crazybull’s location in Montana, leading to his arrest on August 1. He was subsequently indicted on August 20 in federal court in Idaho.

An Idaho man has been charged with threatening to kill Donald Trump in phone calls made to the former president’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, according to court documents. https://t.co/kcv4mMmF4T

— NBC10 Philadelphia (@NBCPhiladelphia) September 24, 2024

Motive and Mental State

Crazybull, who claims to be a member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe in South Dakota, expressed discontent with Trump’s actions related to historical treaties and tribal land. He also mentioned former President John F. Kennedy Jr. in connection with broken treaties affecting his tribe’s land. The suspect’s Facebook page, which has since been removed by Meta, contained additional threats and references to a “shadow government,” raising concerns about his mental state.

“Find Trump…I am coming down to Bedminster tomorrow. I am going to down him personally and kill him,” Crazybull allegedly said in one of his threatening calls.

During an interview with the Secret Service, Crazybull appeared paranoid and confused. He admitted to posting threatening content online to get law enforcement’s attention but claimed he did not own a firearm or have any special training. Despite his threats, he stated that he would not actually try to kill Trump but would not let him become president again.

Political Fallout and Security Concerns

The threats against Trump come at a time of heightened political tension. Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung blamed Vice President Kamala Harris and Democrats for the threats, despite Harris having previously condemned acts of political violence involving Trump.

“Kamala Harris and liberal Democrats are the ones who are deranged,” Cheung said in a statement Monday. “There have been two heinous assassination attempts on President Trump, and their violent rhetoric are directly to blame.”

This incident follows closely on the heels of an assassination attempt on Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, just two weeks prior. In light of these events, Trump’s security detail is being increased to ensure his safety as he continues his political activities.

Legal Proceedings and Potential Consequences

Crazybull has pleaded not guilty to one count of making threats against a former president. A trial is scheduled for October 28. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison. The case serves as a stark reminder of the serious consequences that can result from making threats against current or former government officials, regardless of political motivations or mental state.

As the legal process unfolds, this case underscores the ongoing challenges in balancing free speech, political discourse, and the safety of public figures in an increasingly charged political climate. It also highlights the critical role of law enforcement agencies in swiftly responding to potential threats and safeguarding democracy.