In a disturbing development, federal authorities have arrested an Arizona man accused of threatening the life of President-elect Donald Trump and his family. Manuel Tamayo-Torres, a convicted felon, is facing serious charges after allegedly posting multiple videos on social media in which he brandished firearms and issued graphic threats.
The arrest underscores the dangers Trump continues to face, as this marks the third high-profile threat to his safety in recent months.
According to federal prosecutors, Tamayo-Torres engaged in a months-long campaign of threats both before and after the 2024 presidential election. NBC News reported that his videos, posted almost daily, accused Trump, his family, and even Secret Service agents of heinous crimes, including kidnapping and sex trafficking children.
It remains unclear whether Tamayo-Torres has children of his own, but his accusations were coupled with explicit threats.
In a video released shortly before his arrest, Tamayo-Torres wielded an AR-15-style rifle with a 30-round magazine while unleashing a barrage of racial slurs and violent threats. He declared, “You’re gonna die,” and went on to say, “Your son’s gonna die. Your whole family is going to die.”
Tamayo-Torres’s tirade escalated with statements like, “I’ll spit in your face,” and “If they give me a chance, I’m going to bury you myself.”
The most alarming moment in this saga occurred on August 23, when Tamayo-Torres filmed one of his threatening videos outside a Trump rally at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona.
This incident drew comparisons to earlier assassination attempts on Trump. In July, a sniper fired at Trump during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, wounding the president-elect in the ear and killing one attendee before being neutralized by security. Just weeks later, Trump narrowly escaped another attempt when an armed individual was spotted hiding in bushes near his South Florida golf course.
Tamayo-Torres’s video outside the rally raised fears that he might have been plotting to act on his threats.
Adding another layer to the case, Tamayo-Torres is a convicted felon barred from owning or purchasing firearms. In 2003, he was sentenced to six years in a California prison for assault, and a restraining order was issued against him by his ex-wife in Arizona last year.
Despite these legal restrictions, Tamayo-Torres allegedly attempted to purchase firearms twice in 2023 at a Phoenix gun store. Prosecutors allege he lied on federal forms, falsely claiming he had no felony convictions or active restraining orders.
Tamayo-Torres was arrested on Monday near San Diego, California, and faces serious federal charges, including one count of making threats against a president and four counts of making false statements during a firearm purchase.
He is expected to be extradited to Arizona, where the alleged crimes occurred, and where federal prosecutors have filed charges.
This case highlights the ongoing risks faced by Trump and his family as he prepares to take office. The arrest of Tamayo-Torres comes against a backdrop of heightened security concerns, given the previous assassination attempts.
Trump’s supporters have praised law enforcement for acting swiftly to neutralize the threat, while critics point to the broader dangers posed by unregulated online rhetoric.
For now, federal authorities are ensuring that Tamayo-Torres remains in custody as they pursue justice for his actions. Meanwhile, Trump continues to move forward with his agenda, despite the risks, showing resilience in the face of these threats.
This arrest serves as a stark reminder of the persistent dangers faced by public figures, and the vigilance required to protect them. For the incoming Trump administration, it’s clear that ensuring safety will remain a top priority.
