A man from Utah, who previously made a threatening post on Truth Social about harming President Biden, was shot and killed by FBI agents during the president’s visit to Utah.
A man from Utah, who previously made a threatening post on Truth Social about harming President Biden, was shot and killed by FBI agents during the president's visit to Utah.
FBI Agents Shoot and Kill Armed Utah Man Accused of Threatening President Biden
An unexpected and dramatic turn of events unfolded on Wednesday when FBI agents shot and killed an armed Utah man who was accused of making threats against President Joe Biden. The incident occurred just hours before President Biden was scheduled to visit the state. Craig Deleeuw Robertson, the individual involved, was fatally shot by the FBI agents when they were attempting to serve a search warrant at his residence in Provo, which is located south of Salt Lake City. The shooting took place at 6:15 a.m., according to a statement released by the FBI.
Prior to the shooting, Robertson had posted alarming messages online, indicating that he was aware of President Biden’s visit to Utah and that he planned to don a camouflage suit and clean his M24 sniper rifle. These details were revealed in court documents related to the case. It was further discovered that Robertson owned a long-range sniper rifle, multiple other weapons, and camouflage gear known as a “ghillie suit.” He was charged with three felony counts, including making threats against the president. Robertson also identified himself as a “MAGA Trumper,” demonstrating his allegiance to former President Donald Trump and his slogan, “Make America Great Again.”
In addition to the threats against President Biden, Robertson made a series of other alarming online statements. He mentioned a “presidential assassination” and targeted top law enforcement officials involved in court cases against Trump, such as Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland, and New York Attorney General Letitia James. The authorities found a September 2022 Facebook post in which Robertson wrote, “The time is right for a presidential assassination or two. First Joe then Kamala!!!” Such disturbing comments caught the attention of the FBI after they received a tip from Truth Social, the social media platform created by Donald Trump.
However, those who were familiar with Robertson portrayed a different image of him. Travis Lee Clark, who knew Robertson for years through their participation in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, described Robertson as “frail of health” but also as a masterful woodworker and an influential figure in their community. Clark expressed surprise at the notion that Robertson was considered a serious threat, stating that although he was politically engaged and occasionally made off-color jokes, nothing indicated that he posed a danger. Clark was unaware of Robertson’s Facebook posts until after his death and emphasized that it felt like an overreaction to perceive him as a legitimate threat.
Robertson’s residence in Provo, where the confrontation occurred, was surrounded by law enforcement officers who were seen entering and exiting the premises and removing items. A broken window next to the door and askew blinds on the inside were visible signs of the confrontation that took place. The road leading to the house was cordoned off by the police. Interestingly, the house was located near a meeting house of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, with the majestic Wasatch Mountains providing a picturesque backdrop.
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As investigations into the shooting continue, little information has been released regarding further details of the events that transpired. The FBI is reviewing the incident, and more updates are expected in due course. President Biden, who was on a visit to the Western United States, had been scheduled to fly to Salt Lake City after his engagement in New Mexico, where he had given a speech at a factory specializing in wind tower production.
The shooting of Craig Deleeuw Robertson serves as a sobering reminder of the seriousness with which threats against the president of the United States are treated. While some may view his online statements as mere rhetoric or idle chatter, in today’s climate of heightened security concerns, law enforcement agencies must take all potential threats seriously to ensure the safety of the country’s leaders.
