A resident of Utah, who was recently charged with making threats against President Joe Biden, was fatally shot by FBI agents on Wednesday. According to officials, the incident occurred shortly before the president’s planned visit to the state.
FBI agents were executing a warrant at the residence of Craig Deleeuw Robertson in Provo, situated south of Salt Lake City. The incident happened around 6:15 a.m., as per the FBI’s statement.
At the time of the encounter, Robertson was reportedly armed, shared two anonymous law enforcement insiders.
Earlier on Monday, Robertson had indicated online his awareness of Biden’s upcoming visit to Utah, mentioning plans to utilize his camouflage gear and “m24 sniper rifle.” This message was among several alarming threats he posted against multiple public figures over recent months, court documents reveal.
Robertson’s online identity bore a description of “MAGA Trumper,” alluding to the “Make America Great Again” motto of ex-President Donald Trump. He had also made online threats against top officials involved in legal cases against Trump.
Locally, neighbours perceived Robertson, a 74-year-old who relied on a cane for mobility, as an elderly individual who did not seem menacing despite frequently bearing arms.
Andrew Maunder, a neighbour, voiced skepticism about Robertson’s intent, saying it was improbable that he would go to such lengths to harm the president.
The incident occurred amidst heightened criticism of law enforcement institutions, notably the FBI, by Republican representatives. Even though FBI Director Christopher Wray was Trump’s pick, the former president has been consistently critical of the agency. Wray has publicly cautioned about the perils of such rhetoric.
Increasingly forceful criticism of the FBI, Attorney General Merrick Garland, and prosecutors by the former president has led to rising concerns among officials.
President Biden, who arrived in Utah for an official visit to a veterans’ hospital, was updated about the situation shortly after its conclusion, shared an anonymous White House source.
Court documents revealed that Robertson had various weapons and specialized camouflage attire, often called “ghillie suits” or “ambush suits.” He faced multiple felony charges, including threats against the president and FBI agents. His online activity also showcased threats against key figures, including Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg and New York Attorney General Letitia James.
One of his alarming posts from September 2022 read, “The time is right for a presidential assassination or two. First Joe, then Kamala.”
Currently, Robertson’s legal representation remains unspecified, and attempts to contact his family members were unfruitful.
The FBI was initially alerted to Robertson’s threats when Trump’s social media platform, Truth Social, reported a menacing post against Bragg. Following this, his account on the podium was suspended.
The incident’s specifics are still under the FBI’s scrutiny, and further information is pending.
The incident in Provo underscores the significant challenges law enforcement faces in a digital age, where online threats can quickly escalate into real-world dangers. The lines between virtual bluster and actionable threats sometimes blur, requiring vigilance from agencies and platforms alike. As the nation grapples with increasing political polarization and the pervasive influence of social media, the importance of cooperative efforts between tech platforms and law enforcement agencies becomes ever more evident.
