A Centre County resident was jailed on Friday after being accused of making threats against Donald Trump a day before the former president’s campaign rally at Penn State.
Paul J. Gavenonis, 74, is charged with misdemeanor counts of terroristic threats and disorderly conduct.
Gavenonis was purchasing a commuter lot parking pass at the Penn State Transportation Office and began talking about Trump’s rally planned for Saturday at the Bryce Jordan Center, according to an affidavit of probable cause filed by Penn State police. Gavenonis allegedly described climbing to the top of a tall building, said “you can’t take a gun in or the students will see it,” and simulated a gun racking motion.
Police wrote that Gavenonis said, “I hate Donald Trump. I’d like to shoot that guy.”
Transportation office staff contacted police, and Gavenonis was interviewed by police and U.S. Secret Service on Friday night.
Gavenonis laughed about maybe doing it at the rally, and said “probably, yeah,” when asked about making the threats or having the ability to do it, according to the affidavit.
After being arrested, Gavenonis allegedly said, “Frankly I hope somebody would get him,” and mentioned having a rifle at home.
Gavenonis was arraigned by District Judge Steven Lachman and denied bail. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Wednesday.
