Federal authorities arrested a 24-year-old Kansas man after he allegedly threatened to assassinate President Donald Trump during a campaign rally, claiming he had already mapped out rooftops surrounding the president’s scheduled appearance.
The suspect, identified as Jaden J. Read of Clearwater, Kansas, was taken into custody Saturday, October 17, just two days before Trump was scheduled to address supporters near Wichita.
According to the Justice Department, Read posted a series of disturbing messages on Facebook threatening to shoot the president, including one in which he appeared to reference the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
The threats prompted an investigation involving the U.S. Secret Service and multiple law enforcement agencies, ultimately resulting in federal charges against Read before Trump’s arrival in Kansas.
The investigation began October 15 after authorities received a Crime Stoppers tip concerning comments posted beneath a Facebook article from local television station KAKE News about Trump’s upcoming visit.
Investigators determined that Read had allegedly published multiple threatening statements, including one directly calling for someone to shoot the president.
“Let’s shoot Trump honestly, where’s our shooter? I’m tired of living this money life,” Read allegedly wrote.
In a separate comment, the suspect claimed to have obtained ammunition and expressed his intention to kill Trump.
Authorities subsequently discovered additional comments beneath an article published by KWCH 12 News, another local television station covering the president’s planned appearance.
“Can we shoot him in Kansas please I will myself,” Read allegedly declared.
However, another message drew particular attention because it suggested the suspect had already examined potential shooting locations surrounding the rally venue.
“IK where your speech will be. Already mapped out roofs around. Finna get kirked since yall couldn’t help him,” Read allegedly posted.
The reference to being “kirked” appeared to invoke the assassination of Charlie Kirk, raising further concerns about the seriousness of the alleged threats.
Federal prosecutors filed a criminal complaint against Read on October 17, charging him with knowingly and willfully threatening the president. The offense carries a potential maximum sentence of five years in federal prison if convicted.
Read was arrested that same day in Clearwater and transferred into federal custody, where authorities said he would remain pending a detention hearing.
Investigators have not publicly established whether Read actually surveyed rooftops or possessed weapons capable of carrying out the alleged threats. Court documents cited by ABC News did not indicate whether firearms were recovered during his arrest.
U.S. Attorney Ryan A. Kriegshauser issued a warning Monday following the announcement of the charges.
“Political violence and threats of political violence will not be tolerated,” Kriegshauser said.
“The first Amendment allows for robust disagreement but there are constraints. I caution people to stay within the bounds of constitutionally protected speech.”
The investigation involved the Secret Service, U.S. Marshals Service, Kansas Bureau of Investigation, Kansas Highway Patrol and Wichita Police Department.
Despite the alarming allegations, Trump proceeded with his scheduled campaign appearance Monday evening at Heartland Credit Union Arena in Park City, a suburb of Wichita.
The president appeared alongside supporters as he campaigned for Republican Senator Roger Marshall ahead of the November 3 midterm elections. Trump did not publicly address the alleged assassination threats during his remarks.
The arrest comes as federal authorities continue confronting threats against political figures, particularly following previous assassination attempts targeting Trump.
Read has not been convicted of a crime, and the allegations against him remain subject to federal court proceedings.
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[ H/T Trending Politics ]
