Arizona man’s parents are grappling with the shock of his alleged involvement in a plot to assassinate former President Donald Trump.
At a Glance
- Ronald Syvrud, convicted sex offender with a long criminal history, accused of threatening Donald Trump.
- Syvrud’s death threats made on social media over past two weeks.
- Syvrud was arrested near Sierra Vista, AZ, during Trump’s border tour.
- His parents believe he sought attention and wouldn’t have followed through.
- Syvrud has a history of anger, heavy drinking, and legal issues.
Accusation of Death Threats
Ronald Syvrud, a convicted sex offender and Arizona resident, has been accused of making threats against former President Donald Trump. Over the past two weeks, Syvrud reportedly posted multiple threats on social media, raising concerns about the safety of the former president.
Authorities arrested Syvrud near Sierra Vista, Arizona, the same day Trump was visiting the area to tour the US-Mexico border. Cochise County Sheriff Mark Dannels emphasized the seriousness of these threats, confirming Syvrud’s detention in the county jail. “We have zero tolerance for any kind of threats or intents of violence, so we’ll find him. He’ll go to jail,” Dannels stated.
Despite the allegations, Syvrud’s parents maintain that he wouldn’t have acted on the threats. Instead, they believe their son’s actions were a desperate bid for attention. “I think it’s just him trying to get attention and talk tough,” said Phyllis Syvrud, his mother.
Arizona man accused of posting threats to Trump is arrestedhttps://t.co/2FhUbwWrUw
— MTV English News (@MTVEnglishNews) August 23, 2024
A Troubled Past
Syvrud’s criminal record is extensive, including DUI charges, failure to appear in court, and failure to re-register as a sex offender. Neighbors described him as aggressive and problematic, with many expressing relief at his arrest. Despite serious issues such as anger, heavy drinking, and failed relationships, his parents continue to portray him as a peaceful individual needing help.
Ronald Syvrud’s history of anger and violent outbursts contributes to the complexity of his situation. His parents acknowledge his issues, including past suicidal tendencies, and have urged him to return to Wisconsin for therapy and medical care.
Arrest and Investigation
The arrest happened during a routine traffic stop, with no incident reported. Syvrud’s name did not appear on the list of inmates at the county jail, and no court date or attorney information has been released. The operation to locate Syvrud was part of a security plan for Trump’s visit, making his capture a top priority.
Following an alarming trend of threats, Trump remains unfazed by such incidents. “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,” Trump commented when asked about the threats against him.