A New York City woman, Nathalie Rose Jones, was released from custody after being arrested for making threats against former President Donald Trump. The decision to release Jones was made by Chief US District Judge James Boasberg, who ordered that she be placed under electronic monitoring and receive psychiatric care upon returning home, according to court documents.
Jones, 50, had traveled from New York to Washington, DC less than two weeks prior with the stated intent of harming Trump. Officials began monitoring her online activity after concerning social media posts were identified on August 2. During an interview with Secret Service agents on August 15, Jones reportedly stated she would attempt to kill Trump with a bladed object if given the opportunity. Many of her posts tagged federal agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the Department of Homeland Security.
US Attorney for DC Jeanine Pirro commented on the arrest: “She was working to have [Trump] eliminated. She’s now in custody, she will be prosecuted to the fullest extent to the law.”
Prior to Judge Boasberg’s decision, US Magistrate Judge Moxila Upadhyaya had denied bond for Jones due to ongoing threats posted on social media earlier in August.
The release has drawn criticism from some observers who question whether similar actions would have been taken if threats were made against other presidents.
