On Thursday, as former President Donald Trump was preparing to leave Cochise County in Arizona, local police were in the process of arresting a man suspected of making death threats against the presidential candidate.
The suspect was identified as Ronald Lee Syvrud, a 66-year-old resident of Benson.
Trump mentioned that he was unaware of the ongoing search for the suspect while conducting his campaign activities along the US-Mexico border wall.
Carol Capas, spokesperson for the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office, revealed that the threats were made on social media but did not disclose if authorities had found evidence indicating the suspect’s intention to carry out the threats.
Syvrud faced charges related to threats against Trump for posts he made on social media. Additionally, there was a felony arrest warrant issued against him in Graham County, Arizona, for failure to register as a sex offender. As of August 22, he remained in custody at the Cochise County Jail awaiting trial.
Earlier on the same day, about four hours before Trump’s scheduled border visit, the sheriff’s office posted a notice on their Facebook page seeking public assistance in locating Syvrud, who was wanted on other warrants in addition to the “threats to kill the presidential candidate” investigation.
The authorities later updated their post, stating that on August 21, a report was received concerning “a threat message on social media directed at candidate Donald Trump.”
The message reportedly included language indicating physical harm towards the candidate. Investigators discovered a second threatening post by Syvrud on August 22.
The sheriff’s office emphasized on Facebook that finding Syvrud was a top priority as part of the security measures for Trump’s visit.
Following a tip indicating Syvrud might be in a small community named St. David, officers swiftly proceeded to the location. Around 2:16 PM, they successfully apprehended Syvrud in the area.
Capas confirmed that Syvrud was taken into custody around 2:30 PM local time, approximately an hour after Trump had finished speaking and answering questions at a section of the US-Mexico border wall in Cochise County.
When asked if Trump was aware of the arrest operation aimed at removing the death threats against him, Trump jokingly responded, “I heard it’s dangerous, but I have a job to do.”
Regarding the specific threats, he mentioned, “I hadn’t heard, they probably wanted to keep it away from me.”
He quipped, “Well, let’s get out of here now then.”
Trump acknowledged that some individuals were not supportive of his border visit, citing concerns for his safety. He added, “I heard this is a very dangerous trip, because what I want to do is very bad for the bad guys.”
Trump’s visit took place in an undeveloped desert area near the Coronado National Memorial, where his running mate, Senator JD Vance from Ohio, visited on August 1.
Prior to Trump’s arrival, roadways in the vicinity were closed off, allowing only authorized press, speakers, campaign team members, invited guests, to enter. Security officials conducted checks on all media personnel, including their belongings, equipment, and vehicles.
Snipers were stationed on nearby elevated platforms during Trump’s speech.
The former president noted the additional barriers set up along the isolation wall, ensuring individuals on the Mexican side couldn’t observe the participants in the border activities. He informed dozens of reporters that this security measure was also for their protection.
Following the attempted assassination in Butler, Pennsylvania on July 13, Trump has continually praised the Secret Service officials.
He expressed gratitude, saying, “I am very grateful for the Secret Service and their work, including a month and a half ago when they jumped on me with bullets flying.”
Trump also addressed ongoing concerns about security lapses during the Butler event. He stated, “While they made mistakes, they learn from them, and I have a lot of respect for them.”