Federal authorities have arrested a 50-year-old Indiana woman accused of plotting to kidnap and assassinate former President Donald Trump.
The suspect, Nathalie Rose Jones of Lafayette, was taken into custody in Washington, D.C., onAugust 16, according to a statement from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia released August 18.
Prosecutors say Jones posted graphic threats on Facebook and Instagram, at one point declaring she was willing to “sacrificially kill” Trump. She also mentioned plans for an “arrest and removal ceremony” targeting the former president.
The U.S. Secret Service opened an investigation after tracing the posts to Jones. Court filings state that, during an interview on August 15, she admitted she would try to kill Trump “if given the opportunity,” citing anger over COVID-19 deaths. She later walked back the statement, saying she no longer intended to act.
Jones has been charged with threatening the life of the president and transmitting interstate communications containing threats to kidnap or injure. Each offence carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison.
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro described the case as a top priority. “Threatening the life of the President is one of the most serious crimes and one that will be met with swift and unwavering prosecution,” she said.
Court records indicate Jones has previously struggled with mental illness, which she referenced in her social media posts. As of Tuesday, no attorney has been listed on her behalf.
