WICHITA, Kan. — A Clearwater man faces a federal charge after authorities say he posted threats against President Donald Trump on Facebook ahead of a scheduled visit to Wichita.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Kansas filed a criminal complaint Oct. 17 against Jaden J. Read, 24, charging him with making threats against the president.
According to the complaint, an Oct. 15 Crime Stoppers tip directed authorities to comments Read allegedly posted in response to a KAKE News article about Trump’s planned Oct. 19 visit. Investigators also identified threatening comments attributed to Read on a KWCH 12 News article discussing the visit.
Authorities say the posts included threats to shoot the president, a claim of possessing a firearm and ammunition, and statements about identifying rooftops near the anticipated speech location.
Read was arrested Oct. 17 in Clearwater and taken into federal custody pending a detention hearing.
“Political violence and threats of political violence will not be tolerated,” U.S. Attorney Ryan A. Kriegshauser said. He added that the First Amendment protects robust disagreement but urged people to remain within the bounds of constitutionally protected speech.
The U.S. Secret Service, U.S. Marshals Service, Kansas Bureau of Investigation, Kansas Highway Patrol and Wichita Police Department investigated the case.
The charge is an allegation, and Read is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
