A federal jury in San Bernardino County, California, is looking into a case involving a man who allegedly threatened to assassinate Donald Trump after his recent election victory. The U.S. Department of Justice has charged 73-year-old Thomas Eugenestribel, from Yucca Valley, with three counts related to these threats.
Strybel was taken into custody on Tuesday at the U.S. District Court in Riverside. According to Attorney General Pam Bondy, this defendant is being charged for making threats against the life of the president, highlighting that he has survived two serious attempts on his life in the past. Bondy emphasized that the DOJ is committed to prosecuting such threats to the fullest extent of the law.
The indictment reveals that Strybel made several posts on Facebook, both before and after the November 5, 2024, election, expressing violent sentiments toward Trump. For instance, on October 15, he allegedly told a friend it was “the perfect day to blow his brain away.” Further profanity-laden remarks about Trump’s death were noted in posts made on various dates, including November 3, 25, and 29.
While the indictment highlights multiple derogatory comments, it specifically calls attention to three key posts made on November 12, 19, and 28. In these posts, Strybel made alarming assertions about his intentions—words that many would find deeply troubling.
Bill Essay, a spokesperson, remarked that the kind of language used by Strybel is reminiscent of threats that previously impacted the president’s safety. He added that there’s no room for such violence or threats in the country, reiterating that the authorities will act against those engaging in similar behavior.
Strybel has pleaded not guilty to the charges and is set to face trial on July 28, 2025. Currently, he has been released on a $10,000 bond, but if convicted, he could face up to five years in federal prison for each count.
