A federal jury convicted a 56-year-old Arizona man on June 8 for threatening to kill President Donald Trump and former Vice President Kamala Harris.
Rene Ortiz, who lives in Casa Grande, was found guilty of two felony counts of making threats against successors to the presidency and one felony count of threats against former presidents. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 1 by Senior U.S. District Judge Stephen M. McNamee.
The case stems from two written threats Ortiz delivered to federal courthouses in late 2024. The first note was dropped off in Phoenix on Election Day, Nov. 5. In that letter, Ortiz threatened to execute the newly elected president by firing an M-16A2 service rifle loaded with a six-round magazine. The threat was aimed at both candidates on the ballot.
Weeks later, on Nov. 25, Ortiz brought a second note to the federal courthouse in Tucson. This letter threatened to shoot the incoming president at the Jan. 20, 2025, inauguration. When Secret Service agents later interviewed Ortiz, he confirmed his intent to follow through on the threats. Law enforcement arrested him on Jan. 17, 2025, just three days before the inauguration ceremonies.
Following the trial, federal officials highlighted the importance of the jury’s decision and the swift action of law enforcement.
“The message in this case is clear: The American people will not stand for threats of political violence against President Trump or any other elected official,” U.S. Attorney Timothy Courchaine said. “A jury of Mr. Ortiz’s peers unanimously agreed that his threats were egregious violations of the law and rendered a just verdict. Once again, federal prosecutors from the U.S. Attorney’s Office and agents from the U.S. Marshals Service and U.S. Secret Service proved their excellent skills and duty in protecting our elected officials.”
William R. Mack, Special Agent in Charge of the Phoenix Secret Service office, said his agency takes every threat with the utmost seriousness.
“Our agents, working closely with our law enforcement partners, acted swiftly and thoroughly to investigate these threats and ensure the safety of those we are sworn to protect,” Mack said. “This conviction demonstrates our unwavering commitment to our protectees and to upholding the law, as well as the dedication and professionalism of our team and law enforcement partners.”
U.S. Marshal Van Bayless noted that the nation relies on the rule of law to function and flourish.
“This case is an excellent reminder that anyone who threatens or attempts to intimidate our elected or appointed officials will be investigated by law enforcement, will be prosecuted, and will be held accountable for their conduct,” Bayless said.
Ortiz now faces up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 for each of the charges. He could also be given up to three years of supervised release. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Amy Chang and Abbie Broughton out of the Phoenix office.
READ: On Camera: Arizona Man Charged With Punching Federal Agent At New Jersey Protest
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