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Authorities mum on threat to intimidate protesters at WV Trump rally

By JAKE ZUCKERMAN

Charleston Gazette-Mail

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — It’s unclear if the U.S. Secret Service is investigating a threat allegedly made against potential protesters at President Donald Trump’s rally this week in Huntington.

The threat has been circulating on social media since a Facebook account under the name of “Dana Capron” called on armed conservatives to bring weapons to intimidate any activists Thursday at Trump’s rally at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena.

The post has since been deleted, although numerous accounts have posted screenshots of the alleged threat.

“If we go then we go armed,” the post reads. “Not for the rally but for the protesters. Let’s give the protesters what they want. Those who ride, then do so and those who can drive do so. Bring everything you have or can bring. We start with anyone blocking the streets then we clear the protesters once and for all, by any means necessary. Let’s show them this is not Commieforna [sic] and we deal with protesters faster.”

Secret Service Agent Christopher Maier said Monday that he was not aware of any threats made on social media against any demonstrators at the event, although the agency is monitoring for as much.

“We are not investigating anything right now that I’m aware of,” he said.

However, in a follow-up call later in the day, he said he could not comment on whether such an investigation is taking place. He also said he could not comment on the accuracy of the statement he made earlier in the day.

Multiple Secret Service agents also declined to comment on whether an investigation into the threats exists, or whether Maier’s statement is correct.

Huntington Police Chief Joe Ciccarelli referred inquiries on the situation to the Secret Service.

Cabell County Sheriff Chuck Zerkle referred inquiries to the Huntington Police Department and the Secret Service, although he said the situation has been handled.

“Secret Service is in town already. About the only thing that I can tell you is that it’s been addressed and it’s been taken care of,” he said. “HPD took the lead. The last I heard was it was all taken care of, everything had been neutralized, and it wasn’t going to be a problem.”

The West Virginia Regional Jail and Correctional Facility Authority does not list anyone by the name of Dana Capron as being held.

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