Pennsylvania man arrested for allegedly threatening Trump

A 74-year-old Pennsylvania man was arrested on suspicion of threatening to kill former President Donald Trump the day before his rally at Penn State and declaring, “I would like to shoot this guy.”

Paul J. Gavenonis – who the Center County Public Defender’s Office says uses she/him/her pronouns – was nabbed after she was overheard allegedly making threats while trying to buy a parking permit at the university’s transportation office last Friday. – the leader reported to the Lexington Herald.

“I hate Donald Trump. I want to shoot this guy,” Gavenonis allegedly said, making a hand gesture to point to a gun.

According to the arresting affidavit, she also allegedly described climbing to the top of the building, saying, “You can’t bring weapons because the students will see them.”

A concerned employee alerted police out of concern that the parking pass could potentially bring Gavenonis closer to the Trump rally at the university. The former president held a rally on Saturday, October 26, 2024, just 10 days before the election.

When Penn State Police and the Secret Service later questioned the suspect, Gavenonis allegedly laughed when asked if she believed she could kill the Republican presidential candidate.

“Probably. Yes,” Gavenonis allegedly said.

“Honestly, I hope someone gets him,” she added in a statement.

Gavenonis also allegedly told agents she had a rifle at home.

It was not immediately clear whether the alleged perpetrator was trying to purchase a parking pass to gain access to the rally or if he intended to attend it.

The Kansas City Star reported that the suspect is a registered Democrat.

Gavenonis was charged with terroristic threats and disorderly conduct.

He is currently being held without bail in the Center County Jail.