South Carolina man faces federal charges for allegedly threatening to assassinate Trump

A South Carolina Man Faces Federal Charges for Allegedly Threatening President Trump

In a troubling turn of events, a 47-year-old man from South Carolina has found himself in the crosshairs of federal authorities after allegedly making threats against former President Donald Trump. Travis Keith Lang, a resident of Irmo, South Carolina, was taken into custody on Thursday and arraigned in a Columbia courthouse the following day. During his court appearance, Lang pleaded not guilty to the charges, but his request for bond was denied. He is currently being held at the Lexington County Detention Center, according to local news outlet WLTX-TV. The U.S. Secret Service is leading the investigation into the allegations, and Lang is set to appear in court again on March 14 for a bond hearing.

The Charges and Investigation

The indictment against Lang, filed on Tuesday, alleges that he threatened to kill, kidnap, and inflict bodily harm on the President of the United States. These serious charges have drawn the attention of federal law enforcement, with the U.S. Secret Service taking the lead in investigating the matter. The agency, tasked with protecting current and former presidents, among other duties, has been working to uncover the full extent of Lang’s activities and determine the credibility of the threats. The case has raised concerns, especially in light of recent security incidents involving Trump, including an assassination attempt last year where a bullet grazed his ear during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania.

Travis Lang’s Background and Political Ambitions

While Lang’s current situation is dire, his life before these charges paints a picture of a man with political aspirations. In a surprising twist, Lang had filed paperwork with the Federal Election Commission to run for president as a Republican candidate. However, his political ambitions seemingly never gained traction, as he did not appear on the Republican primary ballot in South Carolina or any other state. According to FEC filings, Lang’s campaign was largely self-funded, with a single donation of $6,000 coming from himself. Despite his lack of success in the political arena, Lang’s social media presence tells a different story. His Facebook page still displays the banner “Travis Lang for President,” and his profile picture intriguingly splits his face with that of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States.

A History of Controversial Statements and Threats

Lang’s online activity has been a source of contention, particularly his vocal criticism of former President Joe Biden. In 2023, he took to Facebook to call for Biden’s impeachment, urging Congress to take action. However, it appears Lang’s rhetoric went beyond mere political criticism. According to a U.S. attorney, Lang has a history of making threats not only against Trump but also Biden. These threats were serious enough to warrant a visit from the Secret Service, who reportedly warned him to cease his threatening behavior. Lang, however, seemed unfazed by the warning and even referenced the visit on his social media, claiming that Biden had become “scared” of him after he decided to run for president.

The Implications of the Case

The charges against Lang come at a sensitive time, as Trump has faced credible threats in the past. In July of last year, Trump was the target of an assassination attempt during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where a bullet grazed his ear. This incident, combined with Lang’s alleged threats, has raised questions about the security measures in place to protect high-profile figures. The case also highlights the fine line between free speech and threats of violence, a balance that law enforcement and the courts must carefully navigate.

Conclusion: A Cautionary Tale of Politics and Security

As Travis Keith Lang awaits his next court appearance, his case serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers that come with polarized politics and the ease with which individuals can make threats in today’s digital age. While Lang’s political ambitions and online persona may have been dismissed as those of a fringe figure, the gravity of the charges against him underscores the importance of taking all threats seriously. The outcome of his case will not only determine his fate but also set a precedent for how similar situations are handled in the future. For now, Lang remains in custody, a cautionary tale of how quickly political rhetoric can escalate into alleged criminal behavior.