A 73-year-old man from Yucca Valley has pleaded not guilty to making threats against former President Donald Trump. Thomas Eugene Streavel faces three felony counts for his posts on Facebook, where he openly called for Trump’s death and identified himself as an “assassin.” This case raises serious concerns about political violence and the threats faced by public figures.
Streavel was arrested by U.S. Marshals just before 11 a.m. on Monday and was arraigned the following day in Riverside. He is currently out on a $10,000 bond and is scheduled to return to court on July 28. If convicted on all counts, he could face up to 15 years in prison.
The threats came shortly after Trump was elected president in November 2024. In his posts, Streavel made alarming statements, including that Trump was a “dead man walking” and that he was “willing to make America great again” by committing murder. He expressed a desire to shoot Trump and claimed that killing him was his life’s mission.
This indictment was unsealed on Tuesday and highlights the serious nature of the threats made against Trump, who has survived two assassination attempts in the past. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating that threats against the President are taken very seriously and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Authorities are concerned about the implications of such rhetoric, especially given the rise of political violence in recent years. The Secret Service is also involved in the investigation, as they work to ensure the safety of public officials.
Streavel’s case serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers that can arise from inflammatory language in the political arena. As the legal proceedings unfold, many will be watching closely to see how the justice system responds to these threats.