A man who had shared violent threats targeting President Joe Biden and other officials through online platforms was fatally shot during an FBI operation on Wednesday. As per information from various sources and a federal complaint acquired, the deceased identified as Craig Robertson, was the suspected perpetrator. The RAID took place around 06:15 local time in Provo, situated approximately 40 miles (65 km) to the south of Salt Lake City
FBI agents were in the process of executing an arrest warrant for Craig Robertson at his residence in Utah. This occurred mere hours before President Biden’s scheduled visit to the state. As outlined in a criminal complaint, Robertson had utilized Facebook to post threats aimed at President Biden and a prosecutor who was pursuing legal actions against Donald Trump.
Who was Craig Robertson?
Although Robertson’s Facebook page is now hidden from public view, it previously displayed his ownership of “Craig’s Custom Woods, LLC,” as per available information. Records from the state indicate that the company was officially registered in June 2020. Online obituaries reveal that Robertson entered into two marriages and was a father of three children. His initial marriage ended in divorce in 1986, after which he remarried in 1988. Tragically, his second wife passed away on April 20, 2008.
Utah Man Faces Federal Charges for Threats Against President Biden, Law Enforcement
Craig Robertson, the individual in question, was confronted with a trio of federal charges. These charges encompassed making threats directed at the president, along with attempting to exert influence, hinder, and seek retribution against federal law enforcement officers through the use of threatening actions. Investigative details highlighted that Robertson seemed to be in possession of both “a sniper rifle” and multiple other firearms.
Some of the threats emerged just prior to Biden’s scheduled visit to Utah on Wednesday evening.
“I HEAR BIDEN IS COMING TO UTAH,” as indicated by prosecutors, was one of the threats. The message stated, “DIGGING OUT MY OLD GHILLIE SUIT AND CLEANING THE DUST OFF THE M24 SNIPER RIFLE. WELCOME, BUFFOON-IN-CHIEF!”
Robertson also made online threats in recent months against other Democratic politicians and prosecutors involved in cases against former President Donald Trump. These events occur within a context of heightened animosity directed at both national and local leaders in anticipation of the 2024 election. FBI Director Christopher Wray has characterized this situation as an “unprecedented” surge of threats targeting FBI agents.
Robertson Questions FBI Monitoring
In a Monday post, Robertson questioned the FBI’s continued monitoring of his social media presence. He expressed his intention to keep a loaded firearm accessible in case of their return.
On Wednesday, in New Mexico, President Biden was briefed on the situation. He had delivered a speech on manufacturing before his planned trip to Salt Lake City.
A statement from an FBI spokesperson revealed that an agent-involved shooting had taken place at approximately 6:15 a.m. on August 9, 2023, in Provo, Utah. The incident originated when special agents initiated an attempt to execute arrest and search warrants at a residential location. The individual in question is now deceased.
The spokesperson emphasized the FBI’s serious approach to any shooting event involving their agents or task force members. According to FBI protocol, the incident is currently undergoing evaluation by the FBI’s Inspection Division.
Secret Service Informed of FBI’s Threat Investigation
The US Secret Service, responsible for safeguarding high-level government officials such as Biden, deferred inquiries to the bureau. A spokesperson for the Secret Service stated, “We are aware of the FBI investigation concerning an individual in Utah who has demonstrated threats against a Secret Service protective.”
Reportedly, Robertson also posted purported threats on Facebook targeting Attorney General Merrick Garland. These posts included an image of a semi-automatic handgun accompanied by the text “Merrick Garland eradication tool,” as well as a description of a dream involving the attorney general’s demise. Allegedly, other political figures facing threats from him encompass Vice President Kamala Harris, New York State Attorney General Letitia James, and California Governor Gavin Newsom.
Among the posts brought to light by prosecutors, one from Robertson on Truth Social singled out New York District Attorney Alvin Bragg. Bragg has pressed legal charges against Trump related to a pre-2016 election hush-money arrangement.
While the exact reasons prompting the authorities to shoot Robertson have not been disclosed by investigators, federal prosecutors have indicated that on July 27, he made an online post suggesting his readiness with a loaded firearm in case of an FBI visit. U.S. Attorneys also mentioned his threats towards California.
