Paul J. Gavenonis, a 74-year-old Pennsylvania resident, was arrested for allegedly threatening former President Donald Trump just a day before his rally at Penn State University. Gavenonis, who identifies with she/her pronouns, reportedly expressed her intent to harm Trump while attempting to purchase a parking pass at the university’s transportation office last Friday, as reported by the Lexington Herald Leader.
According to witnesses, Gavenonis allegedly stated, “I hate Donald Trump. I’d like to shoot that guy,” while mimicking a gun-racking motion with her hand. She also reportedly spoke about accessing a high vantage point, stating, “You can’t take a gun in or the students will see it,” as detailed in an arrest affidavit.
A concerned staff member at the transportation office alerted authorities, fearing that Gavenonis’s request for a parking pass could be an attempt to get closer to Trump’s rally venue. Trump held the rally on October 26, just days before the 2024 election.
When questioned by Penn State police and Secret Service agents, Gavenonis allegedly laughed and affirmed she could carry out her threat when asked if she thought she could harm Trump. According to the affidavit, Gavenonis responded, “Probably. Yeah,” and added, “Frankly, I hope somebody would get him.”
She also allegedly mentioned to agents that she owned a rifle at her home. However, it remains unclear whether she sought the parking pass specifically to access the rally or if she had any intention of attending.
The Kansas City Star confirmed that Gavenonis is a registered Democrat. She now faces charges of making terroristic threats and disorderly conduct. As the investigation unfolds, Gavenonis is being held without bail at the Centre County Prison.
This incident has heightened security concerns as the election nears, with Trump’s rallies often drawing significant attention from supporters and opponents alike.
