A San Bernardino County resident, Thomas Eugene Streavel, 73, of Yucca Valley, was arraigned in Riverside’s United States District Court. He faces a three-count federal grand jury indictment for allegedly threatening to assassinate then-President-elect Donald Trump following the 2024 election.
Streavel is charged with making threats against the President-elect and pleaded not guilty to all charges. His trial is set for July 28, and he has been released on a $10,000 bond.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi stated, “This defendant is charged with threatening the life of our President – a man who has already survived two deranged attempts on his life.” She emphasized that the Department of Justice takes such threats seriously and intends to prosecute them fully.
United States Attorney Bill Essayli remarked on the gravity of Streavel’s rhetoric: “The type of rhetoric and threats made by this defendant are similar to those that led to an attempt on the President’s life last year. There is no place for political violence or threats of violence in the United States.”
The indictment reveals that Streavel used Facebook before and after the 2024 presidential election to post messages expressing his intent to harm or incite others against Trump. On November 6, 2024, he posted about his desire for Trump’s assassination. Subsequent posts included explicit threats made on November 12, November 19, and November 28.
These allegations remain unproven until established beyond reasonable doubt in court. If convicted, Streavel could face up to five years in federal prison per count.
The United States Secret Service is handling the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Matt Coe-Odess from the Domestic Security and Immigration Crimes Section is prosecuting the case.
