Nevada man faces felony accusation of threatening Trump

The charge carries a maximum sentence of five years, if convicted.LAS VEGAS (CN) — Authorities say a grand jury has indicted a Henderson, Nevada, man on accusations that he threatened to kill the president.Jason Randall Utlaut faces a felony count of threat against the president. A conviction carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison. Utlaut is scheduled to appear in court Nov. 18 for his arraignment before a U.S. magistrate judge, the Justice Department said.“Threatening the life of the president is not free speech — it is an act of cowardice and a direct assault on the stability of our nation,” First Assistant United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada said in a statement. “Our office and our federal law enforcement partners do not tolerate, do not negotiate with and do not overlook those who weaponize fear against our public institutions.”The FBI learned about the possible threat on Oct. 16, when its National Threat Operations Section received information about five posts on a YouTube channel. Those posts contained threats about killing President Donald Trump, as well as carrying out a mass shooting and other types of violence, Justice Department officials said.An investigation led agents to Utlaut, authorities said.That day, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department officers executed a search warrant at Utlaut’s home and vehicle. They found 15 firearms, along with several firearm magazines and ammunition, they added.Records show authorities booked Utlaut into jail on Oct. 17. Grand jurors indicted him Wednesday. He remained jailed Thursday.“Threats of political violence and mass murder have no place in our society,” Special Agent in Charge Christopher S. Delzotto of the FBI’s Las Vegas office said in a statement. “Mr. Utlaut allegedly threatened the life of President Trump, promoted a mass shooting, and expressed a willingness to carry out horrific acts of violence. Such threats undermine public safety and will be treated with the utmost seriousness.”Henderson Police Chief Reggie Rader said in a statement that law enforcement agencies need to coordinate to stop violence before it occurs.“Through strong regional partnerships and collaboration with our federal counterparts, we can share information, identify potential threats and work together to keep our communities safe,” he said.Subscribe to our free newslettersOur weekly newsletter Closing Arguments offers the latest about ongoing trials, major litigation and rulings in courthouses around the U.S. and the world, while the monthly Under the Lights dishes the legal dirt from Hollywood, sports, Big Tech and the arts.Additional Reads