A woman from San Antonio, Texas, was arrested in Washington, DC, on Friday for allegedly threatening President Donald Trump. The suspect, Christina Montoya, was found with an unlicensed firearm and a magazine near the White House, according to the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
The MPD received a tip about Montoya’s travel to the capital, leading to her arrest. Trump was reportedly in the Hamptons meeting with donors at the time. The police report lists an “offense start date” of July 20, 2024, but it is unclear when the threats were made.
Montoya was apprehended less than a mile from Capitol Hill and about three miles from the White House. This arrest follows a recent assassination attempt on Trump during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where a shooter opened fire on the former president.
Speaking at a rally in Atlanta, Georgia, Trump praised the bravery of the Secret Service agents who protected him during the Butler incident. He described how bullets narrowly missed him, saying, “The first one was not a good situation, not a good situation. That was really something incredible. That was from God.”
In the Pennsylvania attack, a bullet grazed Trump’s ear, causing minor injuries. The shooter, Thomas Matthew Crooks, was shot and killed by Secret Service agents at the scene. This incident marked the most significant attempt on a presidential candidate since Ronald Reagan’s assassination attempt in 1981.
Montoya faces charges of possessing an unregistered firearm, carrying a pistol without a license, and making threats against a former president, with Trump listed as a victim on the latter charge. The arrest highlights the ongoing security risks faced by high-profile political figures.
Authorities continue to investigate Montoya’s motives and actions. The recent events underline the importance of robust protective measures for political leaders and the critical role of law enforcement in preventing such threats.
The arrest of Montoya and the recent assassination attempt emphasize the need for increased vigilance and security measures to protect public figures. As the investigation proceeds, authorities are likely to enhance protocols to ensure the safety of political leaders and the public.
