STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (WTAJ) — A State College man got himself into hot water with the U.S. Secret Service after allegedly making threats towards Donald Trump the day before his rally at the Bryce Jordan Center.
Paul J Gavenonis, 74, was charged Friday night, Oct. 25, with terroristic threats and disorderly conduct after statements he allegedly made about Trump while getting a commuter lot parking pass.
According to the affidavit of probable cause, Gavenonis was buying the pass when he began talking about the Trump rally that was set to take place the next day. Comments included describing climbing up a tall building and making gun-racking motions with his hands before saying: “I hate Donald Trump. I’d like to shoot that guy.”
The witness at the PSU Transportation Office said they were alarmed by the comments and afraid his pass would bring him close to the Bryce Jordan Center during Trump’s rally.
Penn State police and the U.S. Secret Service spoke with Gavenonis. According to the complaint, Gavenonis said he was laughing about Trump and the rally and allegedly said maybe he’d do it then. When asked if he believed he could do it he said: “Probably. Yeah.”
Gavenonis went on to say, “Frankly, I hope somebody would get him,” before telling the Secret Service he has a rifle at home.
Bail was denied for the 74-year-old. He’s currently in Centre County Prison.
