A Utah man, identified as Craig Deeleuw Robertson, 75, who had been accused of posting threatening comments about President Joe Biden on social media, was shot and killed by FBI agents during an early morning raid on his residence in Provo. The incident, which unfolded around 6:15 a.m., marked a somber prelude to President Biden’s planned visit to Salt Lake City later that day.
The arrest warrant, issued on Tuesday, detailed Robertson’s history of making threats against prominent individuals, including President Biden, Attorney General Merrick Garland, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, and New York Attorney General Letitia James. Robertson’s online presence was riddled with incendiary posts, containing violent rhetoric and hateful remarks aimed at various political figures.
One of Robertson’s recent social media posts reportedly referenced President Biden’s visit to Utah, stating, “I heard Biden is coming to Utah. Dogging out my old ghille suit and cleaning the dust off the M-24 sniper rifle. Welcome, buffoon-in-chief.”
According to neighbors, an abrupt and intense law enforcement presence surrounded Robertson’s home on the morning of the incident. Cooper Robinson, a neighbor, described the situation: “They started talking over their microphone saying, ‘Craig Robertson, please come out with your hands up. They did that a few times.’“
Robertson’s Facebook page was found to contain several posts featuring violent threats and hateful remarks directed at President Biden and other political figures. In one disturbing post, he depicted a violent scenario involving President Biden’s demise.
The FBI’s surveillance of Robertson revealed his online posts, where he identified himself as a “MAGA Trumper,” referencing former President Donald Trump’s campaign slogan. The surveillance also indicated his possession of firearms, including a long-range sniper rifle, and camouflage gear.
The incident is currently under review by the FBI’s Inspection Division, in accordance with standard protocol for shooting incidents involving agents. President Biden’s visit to Utah proceeded as scheduled despite the shooting.
The episode has ignited fresh discussions about the rising tide of political violence and threats against public figures in the United States. Experts have sounded the alarm about the potential consequences of such incidents on the overall health of American democracy, emphasizing the need for a renewed commitment to civil discourse and constructive engagement. As the nation grapples with deep political divisions, the incident underscores the urgency of addressing the root causes of such extremism to ensure the stability and unity of the country.
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