A man from Florida has been taken into custody after reportedly making threats on social media to kill President Donald Trump, according to a police announcement on Saturday.

Shannon Atkins, 46, is accused of posting threatening messages about Trump on Facebook, as detailed by West Palm Police Chief Tony Araujo during a press briefing on Saturday afternoon.

Late on January 19, the FBI received a tip from an individual in Okeechobee, Florida, claiming that Atkins had made “disturbing posts” about assassinating Trump on social platforms.

“They were aggressive statements, political views, and personal opinions targeting the president,” Araujo told the media.

The following day, January 20, a detective from West Palm Beach discovered several of Atkins’ posts, which mentioned the names Lincoln, JFK, Reagan, and Trump.

“Sadly, one of them is still alive,” Araujo said one of the posts noted. “Bullets, please. Jesus save America.”

Another post allegedly stated: “I’ve been banned from X for expressing my hope that someone would take him out; we haven’t had an assassination in years.”

‘This is not a joke, people’

Around 7 p.m. on Friday, the chief reported that police pulled over Atkins in a white 2013 BMW near his residence, discovering suspected cocaine in his possession.

Araujo indicated that he was arrested without any incidents and confessed to writing the Facebook post, claiming he was just joking.

“People, this is not a joke,” the chief stressed during the press conference. “This type of rhetoric is serious.”

During the arrest, police did not find any weapons, as reported by the Palm Beach Daily News, which is part of the YSL News Network.

Authorities have not disclosed if Atkins owns a firearm.

Araujo confirmed that the investigation is still ongoing as of Saturday.

Florida man who threatened President Trump remains in jail without bond

Atkins faces charges of making written or electronic threats to kill, to cause bodily injury, or to conduct a mass shooting or act of terrorism, which is categorized as a second-degree felony, along with felony drug possession charges, as indicated by online records from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office.

As of Saturday night, he remains in custody without the possibility of bond.

It is unclear whether Atkins has hired an attorney or when he is scheduled for a court appearance.

The Palm Beach Daily News reported that Atkins owns a local bakery, although it appears to be permanently closed according to Google.

Chief Araujo stated that the Secret Service has been informed regarding this case, and they will decide if Atkins faces federal charges.
This story has been updated.

Contributing: Diego Diaz Lasa with the Palm Beach Daily News

Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter. Follow her on X @nataliealund.