Key Point Summary โ Man wanted to kill Trump
- Thomas Eugene Streavel, 73, indicted for threats to kill Trump after reelection.
- DOJ revealed three disturbing Facebook posts as evidence.
- Streavel allegedly called it his โlifeโs missionโ to assassinate Trump.
- He pleaded not guilty and was released on $10,000 bond.
- Trial set for July 28, 2025, with 15 years possible if convicted.
Grand Jury Indicts California Man
A federal grand jury has indicted a 73-year-old man from California for allegedly plotting to kill Donald Trump after his reelection in 2024. Thomas Eugene Streavel, of Yucca Valley, now faces three felony counts for threats made on social media against the President-elect.
He appeared in court on Tuesday, one day after the FBI arrested him in Riverside. U.S. District Judge Kenly Kiya Kato ordered his release on a $10,000 bond. However, the case has already drawn national attention.
DOJ Says Threats Were Repeated And Graphic
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Streavel posted several chilling Facebook rants both before and after the 2024 election. Prosecutors say he expressed a desire to โblow Trumpโs brains outโ and even called himself an assassin in one disturbing message.
Attorney General Pam Bondi condemned the threats. โThis defendant is charged with threatening the life of our President โ a man who has already survived two deranged attempts on his life,โ she said. โWe will prosecute this crime to the fullest extent.โ
Explicit Threats Revealed In Court
The indictment focuses on three separate Facebook posts made on November 12, 19, and 28. In the first, Streavel reportedly wrote, โMy aโ is willing to make America great again and blow his motherfโโ brains out.โ
One week later, he allegedly added, โLet me put a bullet right between the ears of your president-electโฆ It would give me great pleasure to kill the worthless motherfโโ.โ
On November 28, the third and most graphic post followed. Streavel allegedly said, โI would gladly give my left nut to be the one who puts the bullet right between his earsโฆ I am your assassin.โ
Each of these messages now forms the basis of the criminal case against him.
Officials Link Threats To Real Danger
Federal officials believe the threats mirror language used by attackers in past assassination attempts. โThe type of rhetoric made by this defendant is similar to those that led to an attempt on the Presidentโs life last year,โ said U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli.
He added, โThere is no place for political violence in the United States.โ
Agents have not revealed whether Streavel possessed weapons or had taken steps to act on his posts. But they remain concerned about online threats turning into real-life violence.
Streavel Pleads Not Guilty
Despite the disturbing nature of the posts, Streavel pleaded not guilty to all three charges. His next court appearance is scheduled for July 28, 2025. If convicted, he faces up to five years in prison per count โ a maximum of 15 years.
Federal prosecutors have vowed to keep a close eye on Streavel and any others who make similar threats. โWe will not hesitate to arrest and charge those who engage in criminal conduct like this,โ said Essayli.
Streavelโs case serves as another alarming reminder of the rising threat of political violence in America. And with Trump seeking to reclaim the White House, law enforcement says it wonโt let its guard down.
