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The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has arrested a California man, Benjamin Azariah Southworth, over allegations that he threatened to assassinate United States President Donald Trump and his attorney, Jay Sekulow.
FBI Director Kash Patel disclosed the arrest in a statement on Thursday, saying Southworth was apprehended in Los Angeles after a federal grand jury returned an indictment against him.
According to Patel, the suspect is accused of making threats against the president and Sekulow, describing the alleged actions as serious federal offences.
"Early this morning, the FBI and partners arrested Benjamin Azariah Southworth in LA after a federal grand jury indicted him for allegedly threatening to assassinate President Trump and his attorney Jay Sekulow," Patel said.
He condemned the alleged threats, saying, “Deadly threats like this are as vile as they are criminal. Those responsible will be met by this FBI and law enforcement.”
The FBI Director also commended FBI Los Angeles and other law enforcement agencies involved in the operation.
Authorities have not yet released further details about the alleged threats or when Southworth is expected to appear in court.
