Arizona authorities arrested a 66-year-old man, Ronald Lee Syvrud, on August 22, 2024, after he allegedly made death threats against former President Donald Trump on social media. Syvrud, a resident of Benson, Arizona, was apprehended during a traffic stop following a manhunt initiated by the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office.
The arrest occurred the same day Trump visited Cochise County to deliver a speech near the U.S.-Mexico border, part of his 2024 campaign. According to the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office, Syvrud had made threats against Trump on social media over the past week. The nature of the threats was not disclosed, but law enforcement took them seriously, citing a zero-tolerance policy toward threats against public officials.
Syvrud, who had been evading law enforcement for some time, was wanted on multiple charges in Arizona and Wisconsin. His outstanding warrants included driving under the influence (DUI), failure to appear in court, hit-and-run, and failing to register as a sex offender. The Sheriff’s office confirmed that Syvrud was identified as an “investigative lead for threats to kill a presidential candidate,” and locating him became a top priority ahead of Trump’s border visit.
Law enforcement officials initially visited Syvrud’s residence on Wednesday evening but could not locate him. The search continued into Thursday morning, culminating in his arrest without incident.
Security surrounding Trump was significantly enhanced for the event, with additional Secret Service personnel and local law enforcement present. This followed an assassination attempt at a Pennsylvania rally six weeks earlier, where Trump narrowly escaped harm.
Although Trump wasn’t informed of the specifics of Syvrud case before his arrival, he acknowledged that threats are now a routine part of his life.
Syvrud remains in custody, facing multiple charges, including threatening a presidential candidate. His prior charges span several states and will be dealt with in court. This incident is part of a broader pattern of threats against prominent political figures during the 2024 election.
