A Texas man, Robert Herrera, was arrested on federal charges after allegedly making violent threats against President Donald Trump on Facebook ahead of his visit to Kerrville, Texas. The arrest was made after Herrera posted content on a local news outlet’s Facebook page, where he used the name ‘Robert Herrer.’ The alleged threats were posted in the context of discussing Trump’s upcoming visit to the Hill Country, following the deadly Fourth of July flooding. The local news outlet involved has not been publicly identified by law enforcement.
According to a Department of Justice release, Herrera’s posts included a reference to a photo of Trump surrounded by Secret Service agents, following the July 2, 2024, assassination attempt in Pennsylvania. Herrera responded to a comment with the phrase ‘I won’t miss,’ which was interpreted as a threat. When another user replied, ‘you won’t get the chance, I promise,’ Herrera allegedly replied, ‘I’ll just come for you,’ attaching a photo of himself holding what appeared to be a rifle and loaded magazines. The posts were removed, and Herrera was arrested by federal agents later that day. If convicted, he faces up to five years in prison per charge. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Roomberg is prosecuting the case.
Special Agent in Charge Aaron Tapp of the FBI’s San Antonio Field Office emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating that while the FBI supports free speech, threatening violence is not protected speech and is a federal crime. He reiterated the importance of public safety and urged peaceful dissent. Tapp acknowledged the collaboration with the United States Secret Service, the San Antonio Police Department, the Texas Department of Public Safety, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in addressing the threat against the president.
In a parallel statement, Special Agent in Charge Brian J. Gibson of the U.S. Secret Service San Antonio Field Office noted the agency’s commitment to investigating threats against individuals under Secret Service protection. He highlighted the importance of inter-agency cooperation, a key aspect of the Secret Service’s operations. The Secret Service remains involved in the ongoing investigation and has not provided further details on the case.
Trump and the First Lady traveled to Kerrville on Friday to survey flood damage and meet with first responders. During their visit, Trump expressed the federal government’s commitment to providing relief to Texas. This arrest follows a similar incident nearly a year earlier, when Trump survived an assassination attempt at a Pennsylvania rally. In that incident, a rooftop shooter fired at Trump from 150 yards away, grazing his right ear and killing one attendee, Corey Comperatore, before Secret Service agents shot the attacker dead.
The arrest of Herrera has drawn attention to the broader issue of threats against public figures, particularly the president. The Department of Justice has reiterated its stance on maintaining national security and public safety, emphasizing the need for vigilance in the wake of such incidents. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas, the Secret Service, and the San Antonio Police Department have not provided further details, indicating an ongoing investigation. The case underscores the delicate balance between free speech and national security in the United States.