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Truth Social, Owned by Former President Trump, Alerts FBI to Threats Made by Utah Man
Truth Social's Role in Alerting the FBI
Truth Social, a social media company owned by former President Donald Trump, played a crucial role in alerting the FBI to threats made by a Utah man. The man, identified as Craig Deleeuw Robertson, was fatally shot by FBI agents as they attempted to arrest him for making death threats against President Joe Biden. This information was first reported by NBC News.
Robertson had posted a threat to kill Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg Jr. on Truth Social, leading the platform to notify the FBI. Bragg is currently prosecuting Trump for allegedly falsifying business records related to a 2016 hush money payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels.
The Arrest Attempt and Fatal Shooting
The 75-year-old Robertson was armed when FBI agents confronted him at his home in Provo, Utah. He reportedly pointed his weapon at the agents and failed to respond to their commands, leading to his fatal shooting. The agents were there to arrest him on a federal criminal complaint accusing him of making death threats against Biden, Bragg, and FBI agents.
Robertson's Threats and Social Media Activity
In a social media post, Robertson had written, "I heard Biden is coming to Utah," adding that he was dusting off his "M24 Sniper Rifle." The FBI described Robertson in their complaint as a white man in his early 70s, observed wearing a dark suit with an AR-15 style rifle lapel pin, a white shirt, a red tie, and a multi-colored hat bearing the word 'TRUMP' on the front.
Investigation into Robertson's Death
The FBI's Inspection Division is currently investigating Robertson's death. The complaint states that on March 19, an FBI agent received a notification from the FBI National Threat Operations Center regarding a threat to kill Bragg. The tip to the operations center came from a social media company, which the complaint did not name.
Robertson's Response and Subsequent Investigation
When FBI agents questioned Robertson about his comment on Truth Social, he responded, "I said it was a dream ... We're done here! Don't return without a warrant." A subsequent investigation revealed that Robertson, who owned numerous firearms, had made multiple threats toward government officials, including Vice President Kamala Harris, U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland, and New York Attorney General Letitia James.
Truth Social's Inception and Role in the Incident
Truth Social was launched by Trump Media & Technology Group in late 2021, months after Trump was banned from Twitter, now known as X, due to fears that he might incite further violence following the Capitol riot by his supporters. The platform's role in alerting the FBI to Robertson's threats highlights its commitment to safety and law enforcement cooperation.
Conclusion: Implications for New Businesses
The incident involving Truth Social's alert to the FBI about threats made by a user highlights the crucial role social media platforms can play in maintaining public safety. For new businesses, particularly those venturing into the social media space, this incident underscores the importance of implementing robust user monitoring systems and maintaining open lines of communication with law enforcement agencies.
The Need for Vigilance
New businesses must be vigilant in monitoring user activity on their platforms to detect and report any illegal activities. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers and legal implications that can arise from user-generated content.
Cooperation with Law Enforcement
Cooperation with law enforcement is also essential. Truth Social's timely alert to the FBI potentially prevented a serious threat from becoming a reality. New businesses can learn from this proactive approach and establish protocols for reporting threats to the appropriate authorities.
Building Trust with Users
Lastly, this incident can serve as a lesson in building trust with users. By taking action against threats and demonstrating a commitment to safety, businesses can foster a more secure environment for their users. This, in turn, can enhance their reputation and build user trust, which is crucial for growth and success in the competitive social media landscape.
Article First Published at: https://www.cnbc.com/2023/08/10/trumps-truth-social-tipped-fbi-to-man-killed-during-arrest-attempt-for-biden-threats.html
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