Man arrested for threatening to shoot Trump at Penn State rally
- A 74-year-old man named Paul J. Gavenonis was arrested for making threats against a former President.
- While at Penn State, he expressed his desire to harm the former President, indicating he had access to a firearm.
- Gavenonis' actions raised alarm and led to his detention; he is currently held without bail pending a court hearing.
In Pennsylvania, Paul J. Gavenonis, a 74-year-old man, was taken into custody for allegedly threatening to shoot former President Trump shortly before his rally at Penn State on October 25. Witnesses reported Gavenonis made a loud and alarming statement about wanting to harm Trump while trying to obtain a parking pass near the event venue. His threats included a description of wanting to shoot from an elevated position, which caused immediate concern among those present in the transportation office. The witness who overheard Gavenonis' comments alerted Penn State Police, prompting an investigation involving Secret Service agents. During interviews, Gavenonis reportedly laughed off the gravity of the situation, further stating he believed he could carry out such an act. This disturbing claim escalated the seriousness of his threats and raised crucial safety concerns surrounding the rally. Authorities found additional context when Gavenonis mentioned having a rifle at home, which contributed to the urgency of his apprehension. He was charged with disorderly conduct and making terroristic threats. Gavenonis is currently being held without bail at the Centre County Correctional Facility and has a preliminary hearing scheduled. This incident emphasizes the heightened risks surrounding political figures and public events, particularly in a climate where threats of violence can become tragically real, necessitating vigilance from law enforcement and security agencies.