Utah Man Shot Dead by FBI Agents Hours Before President Biden's Arrival
Utah man shot and killed by FBI agents just hours before President Biden's visit. The man had been making threats against the president and law enforcement officials. Investigations are ongoing.
In a shocking turn of events, an armed Utah man, identified as Craig Deleeuw Robertson, was shot and killed by FBI agents as they attempted to serve a warrant on his home in Provo. The incident occurred just hours before President Joe Biden was set to land in the state on Wednesday. According to law enforcement sources, Robertson had been making violent threats against President Biden and several other public figures for months. In online posts, he mentioned plans to dig out his sniper rifle and referenced a "presidential assassination." He also targeted top law enforcement officials overseeing court cases against former President Donald Trump.
Neighbors of Robertson described him as a frail and elderly man who regularly carried guns but did not seem like a threat. They expressed disbelief that he would have been capable of carrying out such an attack on the president. The FBI had been conducting an investigation into Robertson after receiving a tip about his threats toward Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg. Court documents revealed that Robertson owned a long-range sniper rifle, numerous other weapons, and camouflage gear known as a "ghillie suit."
Robertson's online posts and threats were taken seriously by law enforcement, leading to his arrest under seal on three felony counts, including making threats against the president and FBI agents. At the time of the shooting, Robertson was armed. President Biden was briefed on the raid after it occurred. He had flown to Utah to visit a Veterans Affairs hospital in Salt Lake City and participate in a reelection fundraiser.
The FBI shooting of Robertson is currently under review by the FBI's Inspection Division. No agents were injured in the incident. This tragic event serves as a reminder of the ongoing tensions and risks associated with public figures and law enforcement officials. It highlights the importance of taking threats seriously and the challenging task of ensuring the safety and security of those in power.