A 39-year-old man from Florida, Jason Alday, has been arrested and charged with making threats against President Joe Biden and other federal officials, the Justice Department announced on Monday.
According to court filings, Alday made initial threats while being treated at a mental health facility in Tallahassee, Florida, on June 25.
He allegedly stated, “I don’t like President Biden. I want to kill him, slit his throat.” The Secret Service received a call from an intake coordinator at the facility, who reported Alday’s threatening remarks.
Following his release from another hospital, Alday continued to make threats through social media posts in late June and July. The Secret Service identified Alday’s social media account, which contained posts targeting President Biden, including a threat to kill him. One post read, “I’ll kill Joe Biden today!!” and another stated, “Should I finish him off?”
Alday denied making the threats, but acknowledged disliking President Biden. He was charged with three counts: making threats against the President, sending a threatening communication, and making threats against a federal official.
The arrest came two days after an attempted assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Trump sustained minor injuries, and the gunman, Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, was swiftly neutralized by a Secret Service sniper.
Alday’s arrest highlights the seriousness of making threats against public figures and the importance of prioritizing safety and well-being for all individuals involved. The Justice Department and Secret Service are taking these allegations seriously, and Alday faces significant charges for his alleged actions.
Alday’s history of mental health issues and his alleged threats have sparked a larger conversation about the need for support and resources for individuals struggling with similar issues.
The incident happens barely days after Donald Trump escaped an assassination attempt during his rally in Pennsylvania.
