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Paul J. Gavenonis, 74, of State College, was purchasing a commuter lot parking pass on Friday night, Oct. 25 so he could attend the Trump campaign rally at Bryce Jordan Center when the threats were made, police detailed in court documents.
He is accused of making comments about climbing up a tall building, then gestured a gun-racking/loading motion and finally said:
“I hate Donald Trump. I’d like to shoot that guy.”
After witnesses informed security about this interaction, Penn State police and the U.S. Secret Service interviewed Gavenonis.
When asked if he believed he could follow through with the threat he told law enforcement “Probably. Yeah," as written in the affidavit. Adding, “Frankly, I hope somebody would get him,” before telling the Secret Service he has a rifle at home.
Law enforcement noted that he was laughing during the conversation.
He was arrested on changes of terroristic threats and disorderly conduct, according to his court docket.
He was denied bail and held in the Centre County Prison.
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