This post has been updated since publication to reflect the latest information in this ongoing story. Additional reporting can be found by clicking HERE.
A Utah man who posted threats against President Joe Biden on social media was shot by agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on Wednesday morning, law enforcement sources report. Craig Robertson, a resident of Provo, Utah in his mid-70s, was killed during the execution of a search warrant at his residence in connection with online threats against Biden and other public officials.
Craig Robertson first appeared on the FBI’s radar in March, but drew additional attention by allegedly making the following post on Sunday ahead of the President’s visit to Salt Lake City: “I hear Biden is coming to Utah. Digging out my old ghille [sic] suit and cleaning the dust off the m24 sniper rifle. Welcom [sic], buffoon-in-chief!”
On July 27, he also allegedly wrote “Hey FBI, you still monitoring my social media? Checking so I can be sure to have a loaded gun handy in case you drop by again.” In the past year, Robertson reportedly uploaded additional threats against other officials, including Vice President Kamala Harris and New York District Attorney Alvin Bragg.
“The incident began when special agents attempted to serve arrest and search warrants at a residence,” a statement from the FBI said following the 6:15 am raid. “The subject is deceased.” Robertson’s arrest warrant charged him with three felony counts, including interstate threats, threats against the president, and influencing, impeding, and retaliating against federal law enforcement officers by threat.
The FBI’s statement said that the suspect was observed “wearing a dark suit (later observed as having an AR-15 style rifle lapel pin attached), a white shirt, a red tie, and a multi-colored (possibly camouflage) hat bearing the word ‘TRUMP’ on the front” ahead of the raid. \At this time, it is unclear what series of events led to the shooting of the septuagenarian, who neighbors described as “overweight” and “walking with a cane.”
“So, a man that sits at home all day, doesn’t have much to do, if he’s on his phone and is involved in politics and has strong political opinions, I’m not surprised that he would make posts like that to try to receive attention,” one neighbor told a local outlet. “I’m just hoping that the FBI has some more evidence besides Facebook posts to want to raid his house like they did.”
The Secret Service and the FBI have both said they are aware of the situation, and the FBI’s Inspection Division is now looking into Craig Robertson’s shooting. Joe Biden is expected to arrive in Salt Lake City later this afternoon.
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