Key Takeaways:

• A Florida man, Shannon Depararra Atkins, was arrested for making online threats against President Donald Trump.
• Atkins allegedly posted violent rhetoric on Facebook, which prompted an investigation.
• He was arrested after a traffic stop and found in possession of cocaine.
• The Secret Service is involved in determining potential federal charges against him.

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Authorities took Shannon Depararra Atkins, 46, into custody for allegedly making threatening remarks towards President Trump on social media. The West Palm Beach Police department reported that Atkins was arrested on January 25, following tips received by the FBI from a concerned citizen. Police Chief Tony Araujo stated that the threats included “violent rhetoric,” specifically aimed at the President, raising significant alarms regarding public safety.

Atkins's alarming posts reportedly referenced other historical assassination attempts against past presidents, which led to heightened concern among local law enforcement. After a routine traffic stop, he was detained and found to be in possession of cocaine, resulting in additional drug charges. Atkins, who lives near Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate, reportedly claimed his statements were made in jest, an assertion that police officials dismiss as unserious given the context of recent events.

As this case unfolds, the Secret Service has been notified and will assess whether federal charges will be warranted, considering the serious nature of his threats. In a press conference, Chief Araujo emphasized, “Nothing of that source is a joke,” highlighting the importance of addressing such threats decisively. The public defender’s office currently representing Atkins was unavailable for comment, and he is being held without bond according to AP News.

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