Wichita, KS — A 24-year-old Kansas man has been arrested and charged with threatening President Donald Trump after authorities say he posted multiple social media messages about shooting the president ahead of Trump’s visit to the Wichita area.
Federal prosecutors identified the suspect as Jaden J. Read of Clearwater, Kansas. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, a Crime Stoppers tip alerted investigators to comments Read allegedly posted Oct. 15 beneath a KAKE News story about Trump’s planned Oct. 19 visit.
Prosecutors say one post stated, “Let’s shoot Trump honestly,” while another allegedly referenced recently obtaining a .308 firearm and ammunition.
Investigators later found additional comments beneath a KWCH report about Trump’s visit. One allegedly said, “Can we shoot him in Kansas please I will myself.” Another claimed to know where Trump’s speech would occur and referenced having “mapped out roofs around” the location.
Authorities arrested Read in Clearwater on Oct. 17, and he remains in federal custody pending a detention hearing.
U.S. Attorney Ryan Kriegshauser said political violence and threats of violence will not be tolerated, while emphasizing that the First Amendment protects robust political disagreement but not criminal threats.
The Secret Service, U.S. Marshals Service, Kansas Bureau of Investigation, Kansas Highway Patrol and Wichita Police Department participated in the investigation.
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