A man who allegedly made threats against President Biden on social media was fatally shot by FBI agents in Provo, Utah, according to federal law enforcement sources. The incident occurred on Wednesday around 6:15 a.m. as agents were attempting to serve an arrest and search warrant at the man’s residence. The man, identified as Craig Robertson, had reportedly posted a threatening message on social media earlier in the week.
The post, made on Monday, suggested that Robertson was planning to target the president during his visit to Utah. The message read, “I hear Biden is coming to Utah. Digging out my old ghille suit and cleaning the dust off the m24 sniper rifle. welcome, [sic] buffoon-in-chief!” The FBI is currently investigating the incident, and a law enforcement source confirmed that Robertson was armed at the time of the shooting.
President Biden arrived in Salt Lake City on Wednesday for a scheduled visit. The shooting involving the FBI occurred just hours before the president’s expected arrival in the state.
The FBI released a statement regarding the incident, stating, “The FBI is reviewing an agent-involved shooting which occurred around 6:15 a.m. on Wednesday, August 9, 2023 in Provo, Utah. The incident began when special agents attempted to serve arrest and search warrants at a residence. The subject is deceased. The FBI takes all shooting incidents involving our agents or task force members seriously. In accordance with FBI policy, the shooting incident is under review by the FBI’s Inspection Division.”
According to a complaint filed by prosecutors on Monday in U.S. District Court, Utah district, Robertson was being charged with interstate threats, influencing, impeding and retaliating against federal law enforcement officers by threat, and threats against the president. Prosecutors also allege that Robertson threatened to kill Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg on social media.
Additional posts allegedly made by Robertson indicated his intent to kill District Attorney Bragg and President Biden, as well as other politicians, including California Governor Gavin Newsom. Court documents reveal that Robertson appeared to own a sniper rifle, a ghillie suit, and other firearms.
The U.S. Secret Service also commented on the incident, stating, “We are aware of the FBI investigation involving an individual in Utah who has exhibited threats towards a Secret Service protectee. While we always remain in close coordination with the Bureau, this is an FBI-led effort and we refer any related questions to the FBI and DOJ.”