A Florida man has been arrested for allegedly making online threats against former President Donald Trump, authorities confirmed on Saturday. Shannon Depararra Atkins, 46, was taken into custody following a tip to the FBI’s threat center.
Atkins, a resident of West Palm Beach, faces charges of written or electronic threats to kill, cause bodily harm, or commit a mass shooting or terrorist act.
Arrest Follows Traffic Stop and Drug Discovery
West Palm Beach police reported that Atkins was apprehended during a traffic stop Friday night. During the arrest, officers discovered cocaine in his possession, leading to an additional drug-related charge. Atkins is currently being held without bond.
The public defender’s office, representing Atkins, was not available for comment as it was closed over the weekend.
Proximity to Mar-a-Lago Raises Concerns
Atkins resides just a few miles from Mar-a-Lago, Trump’s Palm Beach resort. However, authorities stated there is no indication Atkins made any attempts to approach the property.
Details about the specific nature of the alleged online threats have not been disclosed.
Potential Federal Charges Under Review
The Secret Service has been notified of the incident and is evaluating whether federal charges will be brought against Atkins.
This arrest underscores heightened vigilance near Mar-a-Lago, where Trump frequently resides, particularly following increased scrutiny over online threats targeting public figures.
The investigation is ongoing, and no further information has been released at this time.