A Texas man has been arrested for allegedly threatening to assassinate former President Donald Trump, authorities said. Robert Herrera, 52, was charged with making a terroristic threat against a public figure and making interstate threatening communications.
The arrest follows a disturbing social media post in which Herrera allegedly alluded to a previous failed assassination attempt on Trump, accompanied by the chilling comment: “I won’t miss.”
The Threat and the Investigation
The incident began when a San Antonio news outlet posted an article about Trump’s planned visit to Texas Hill Country on its Facebook page. Herrera reportedly responded to the post with a comment threatening to kill the president.
His comment included a photo from a previous assassination attempt against Trump during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13, 2024. The photo showed Trump surrounded by Secret Service agents following the failed attempt by Thomas M. Crooks, who shot at Trump but failed to seriously injure him.
In Herrera’s comment, he wrote, “I won’t miss,” implying he intended to carry out his own violent act. The post sparked concern, with one Facebook user responding to Herrera’s comment, stating, “You won’t get the chance, I promise.”
Herrera allegedly replied with an even more threatening message: “I’ll just come for you,” along with a photograph of an assault rifle and loaded magazines.
Swift Action by Law Enforcement
The U.S. Secret Service, FBI, and San Antonio Police Department launched an investigation, working swiftly to apprehend Herrera the same day the post was made.
Special Agent Aaron Tapp of the FBI emphasized the seriousness of such threats, stating, “Threatening violence against any individual is not constitutionally protected speech, it is a federal crime.”
This case highlights the effective cooperation between local, state, and federal agencies, with authorities emphasizing that threats against public figures will not be taken lightly.
The U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas, Justin R. Simmons, praised the swift response of law enforcement, assuring that such threats would always be met with “a swift, aggressive approach.”
Legal Consequences and Sentencing
If convicted, Herrera faces a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison for his alleged actions. The case remains under investigation as law enforcement continues to assess the threat.
This arrest serves as a reminder of the serious consequences that arise from threatening violence, especially against public figures. The swift action by law enforcement underscores their commitment to protecting the safety of individuals, including those in high office, and ensuring that threats are dealt with appropriately.
