On the same day that protests labeled “No Kings” erupted nationwide, a man from upstate New York was arrested in Brooklyn, suspected of planning to attack federal officers. David Cox, aged 54, was taken into custody after he mentioned having an incendiary device in his vehicle and expressed intentions to confront ICE agents at a protest in Manhattan, according to reports.
The NYPD noted that Cox allegedly made threats the night before while talking to someone at a gas station in upstate New York. After he left, the bystander contacted local authorities about the conversation.
The following day, as approximately 100,000 demonstrators participated in the “No Kings” rally in New York City, police were alerted that Cox’s car had arrived in Brooklyn. He was arrested without any complications. Interestingly, law enforcement did not discover any incendiary devices or weapons in his vehicle.
Cox faces multiple charges, including making terroristic threats and falsely reporting terrorism. His arrest coincided with a larger movement of demonstrators voicing opposition to President Trump’s administration, often donning satirical costumes and holding various signs.
While large crowds filled the streets of New York, the NYPD reported no other arrests in relation to the protests. In contrast, violence erupted in Portland, where authorities deployed tear gas during a rally, resulting in three arrests, and additional arrests took place outside an ICE facility in Illinois.
As for Cox, it’s unclear if he has found legal representation yet.
