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WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — A West Palm Beach man was arrested for making violent threats on social media against President Donald Trump, highlighting the serious consequences of such actions.
The investigation began on January 19 when a tip to the FBI revealed disturbing posts by Shannon Atkins, 46. One of the posts read: “I’ve been banned from ‘X’ because I said I hope and pray someone kills him. History is supposed to repeat itself. We haven’t had an assassination in years.”
Police and FBI agents traced the threats, which were explicit and violent. On January 24, Atkins was arrested near his home, where he was also found carrying cocaine.
Atkins has been charged with several counts of written or electronic threats to kill, do bodily harm, or commit terrorism (second-degree felony) and possession of cocaine.
West Palm Beach Police Chief Tony Araujo warned, “In today’s climate, you can’t say things like this. These threats are taken seriously.” While Atkins claimed the posts were a joke, authorities stressed that even perceived jokes can lead to severe legal consequences.
This case underscores the risks of making online threats, even in jest. Law enforcement urges individuals to think before posting and report suspicious activity immediately.
Read more about the story on WPTV