A Florida man was arrested on charges of making online threats against President Donald Trump, authorities said on Saturday. Shannon Depararra Atkins, 46, of West Palm Beach, was taken into custody Friday night following a tip to the FBI threat center.
Atkins is charged with one count of making written or electronic threats to kill, cause bodily injury, or commit a mass shooting or act of terrorism. The arrest occurred after a traffic stop, during which Atkins was also found in possession of cocaine, leading to an additional drug charge.
Atkins is being held without bond. His public defender’s office was closed over the weekend and unavailable for comment.
The specifics of the alleged online threats have not been released. Although Atkins resides just a few miles from President Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, there is no evidence to suggest that he attempted to approach the location. The Secret Service is investigating the case and will determine whether any federal charges will be filed.
