In a chilling online post, a Texas man has been arrested for allegedly threatening to assassinate President Donald Trump just days before the anniversary of a previous attack on the president.
According to Breitbart, Robert Herrera, 52, of San Antonio, now faces federal charges after posting a menacing message on Facebook that sparked swift action from local and federal authorities.
The incident unfolded when Herrera, a resident of San Antonio, shared a threatening statement on Facebook in response to a local news article. The article discussed President Trump’s upcoming visit to the Texas Hill Country, prompting Herrera to comment with a stark warning. His post included the phrase, “I won’t miss,” alongside a photo of Trump surrounded by Secret Service agents following a near-fatal incident on July 13, 2024.
The timing of Herrera’s alleged threat added to its gravity, coming just three days before the first anniversary of the July 13, 2024, attack that nearly claimed Trump’s life. Another user on Facebook responded to Herrera’s post, stating, “You won’t get the chance,” which only escalated the exchange. Herrera replied with, “I’ll just come for you,” and included a photo of an assault rifle loaded with a magazine, intensifying the perceived danger.
Following a report of the threatening content, San Antonio police acted quickly to apprehend Herrera on Thursday night. The arrest was a coordinated effort, reflecting the seriousness with which law enforcement treats threats against protected individuals like the president. Officials confirmed that Herrera’s actions were deemed a credible risk, necessitating immediate intervention to ensure public safety.
After his arrest, Herrera was charged federally with threatening to assassinate the president and making interstate threatening communications. If convicted on these charges, he could face up to five years in federal prison for each count, according to legal authorities. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas released details of the incident on Friday, underscoring the severity of the allegations.
U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons for the Western District of Texas expressed gratitude for the rapid response, stating, “I want to thank Chief McManus and his team at SAPD for their swift response to this threat.” He added, “To be clear, these types of threats will not be taken lightly, and we will always take a swift, aggressive approach, as was done here.” The emphasis on decisive action reflects the priority placed on protecting high-profile figures from potential harm.
Brian Gibson, U.S. Secret Service Special Agent in Charge for the San Antonio Field Office, also commented on the case, saying, “Investigating threats towards individuals under Secret Service protection are treated as our highest priority.” He further noted, “This is one of the countless reasons the Secret Service prides ourselves on forging and maintaining relationships with other law enforcement agencies.” Such partnerships are vital in addressing threats swiftly and effectively, ensuring the safety of those under their protection.
Aaron Tapp, FBI San Antonio Special Agent in Charge, weighed in on the broader implications, stating, “While the FBI fully supports and defends every American’s right to free speech, it is important to understand that threatening violence against any individual is not constitutionally protected speech; it is a federal crime.”
His statement serves as a reminder of the legal boundaries surrounding online behavior and public statements. The FBI’s involvement highlights the federal scope of the investigation and the seriousness of the charges against Herrera.
San Antonio Police Chief William McManus praised the individual who reported the threat, saying, “I want to commend the individual who reported the threatened violence against POTUS.” He added, “Law enforcement cannot do this job without the assistance of our community.” This acknowledgment underscores the importance of public vigilance in preventing potential acts of violence.
The timing of Herrera’s alleged threat, so close to the anniversary of the July 13, 2024, attack on Trump, has heightened concerns among authorities. That earlier incident left a lasting impact, making any subsequent threats against the president particularly alarming to law enforcement. Officials remain on high alert as the anniversary approaches, determined to prevent any repeat of past violence.
As the case against Herrera moves forward, federal authorities continue to investigate the full extent of his actions and intentions. The evidence, including the Facebook posts and images, will likely play a central role in the prosecution’s case against him. Legal experts anticipate a thorough examination of the circumstances surrounding the alleged threat.
For now, the focus remains on ensuring public safety and protecting high-profile individuals from potential harm. The swift response to Herrera’s alleged threat demonstrates the commitment of law enforcement to address such incidents decisively. Community cooperation, as highlighted by Chief McManus, will continue to be a critical factor in maintaining security.