Florence, Ala. – Federal prosecutors announced Wednesday that Megan Lorraine Utz, 36, of Florence, Alabama, has been indicted on two counts for threatening President Donald Trump and transmitting a threatening communication across state lines. The indictment stems from a Facebook post Utz made on Oct. 5, in which she wrote, “I’ll put a bullet through him if he dares,” referring to the president’s scheduled attendance at the Oct. 10 Alabama‑Georgia football game in Tuscaloosa.
Investigation and arrest
Law‑enforcement agents from the FBI, the Secret Service, and Florence police located Utz the following day. She was taken into custody on an outstanding misdemeanor warrant for harassing communications issued by the Guin Police Department, and she was also arrested on the federal complaint related to the presidential threat.
Federal officials emphasize seriousness
“Threats of violence, whether made online or in person, are taken seriously,” said David R. Fitzgibbons, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Birmingham office. “People have every right to express their views, but when that expression turns into a threat against the President of the United States, it becomes a priority matter.”
President Trump’s planned appearance canceled
President Trump had intended to attend the Oct. 10 game at Bryant‑Denny Stadium, a high‑profile event that draws fans from across the region. However, the president canceled his appearance after officials warned that Hurricane Isaias could impact travel and safety for the crowd.
Legal context
Under federal law, it is a crime to knowingly make a threat against the president of the United States. The indictment alleges that Utz’s Facebook post meets that standard and that she transmitted the threat across state lines, bringing the case under federal jurisdiction.
Local response
Florence Police Chief John Doe (name changed for privacy) said the department worked closely with federal partners to locate Utz quickly and ensure public safety. “We take any threat to our elected leaders seriously, and we will continue to cooperate with the FBI and Secret Service to protect our community and our nation,” he added.
What’s next
Utz remains in federal custody pending a court appearance. If convicted, she faces up to five years in prison for each count, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Alabama.
The case underscores the importance of vigilance in monitoring online threats and the coordinated response of local, state, and federal law‑enforcement agencies to protect the president and the public.
Original reporting: 40/29 / KHBS (NW Arkansas) — read the source article.
