Washington police have arrested Christina Montoya, a 41-year-old resident of San Antonio, Texas, for allegedly threatening former President Donald Trump and carrying a firearm without a license. Montoya was apprehended after traveling to Washington, DC.
The Metropolitan Police Department reported receiving information from the US Secret Service on Friday, August 2, around 12:12 p.m. Officers located Montoya’s Honda Accord in a residential area in the First District, which led to her arrest. She has been charged with carrying a pistol without a license, possession of an unregistered firearm, and making threats against a former president.
Montoya was in custody Friday night, with the police report indicating that the threats against Trump began on July 20. Officers recovered a silver Smith and Wesson M&P Shield pistol, a magazine, and a gun lock from her vehicle.
This incident is the latest in a series of threats against Trump, who narrowly escaped an assassination attempt on July 13 during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. During that rally, a 20-year-old student attempted to shoot Trump with a high-powered long-range rifle. The student and one rally attendee were killed, prompting increased security measures around Trump.
Political violence has been a prominent issue in recent weeks. Leaders across the country, including President Joe Biden and Texas officials, have condemned the attacks and called for unity. The investigation into Montoya’s alleged threats is ongoing, with neither the Secret Service nor the FBI able to determine whether Trump’s attacker acted alone or was part of a larger organization.
Christina Montoya remains in custody awaiting formal charges to determine her bail status. CNN has not yet been able to identify an attorney for Montoya. More details on the severity of the threats made by Montoya are expected to emerge in the coming hours.
