Parents of Man Who Allegedly Threatened Trump Open Up

Ronald Syvrud’s parents have spoken out following his arrest for allegedly threatening to kill former President Donald Trump.

At a Glance

Ronald Syvrud was arrested for threatening to kill Donald Trump.
His parents, Lee and Phyllis Syvrud, attribute his alleged behavior to seeking attention and a series of personal struggles.
Syvrud reportedly has a long history of criminal activity, failed relationships, and aggressive behavior.
Authorities heightened security at Trump’s event due to the threat and past assassination attempts.

Overview of Allegations

Ronald Syvrud, 66, was arrested for allegedly threatening to assassinate former President Donald Trump. Syvrud’s troubled past includes numerous warrants and previous convictions. The incident occurred as Trump was in Cochise County, Arizona, touring the US-Mexico border.

This case highlights continued threats against public figures, emphasizing the ongoing security concerns and political tensions leading up to the general election.

Elderly mom of Ronald Syvrud who threatened to assassinate Donald Trump in Arizona tells how his life spiraled after death of brother and led to threats to kill ex-president https://t.co/4sJptn8TUg pic.twitter.com/1jWUVV5jzI

— Mail+ (@DailyMailUK) August 27, 2024

Parents’ Concerns and Reflections

Lee and Phyllis Syvrud, parents of Ronald Syvrud, expressed disbelief at their son’s alleged actions, attributing his behavior to a cry for attention coupled with deep-rooted personal struggles. “I think it’s just him trying to get attention and talk tough,” Phyllis Syvrud stated. The family revealed that Syvrud has also been struggling following the death of his brother Gregory in 2022.

According to Phyllis, neither she, nor her husband, nor her son are fans of Trump. However, she said she had never known Ronald to make threats. She added that she told him in the past that if he doesn’t like Trump, then “do something. Vote.” Lee also broke in at one point to express his fear about the idea of another Trump presidency.

Syvrud reportedly has a history of criminal activity, failed relationships, and job terminations, leading to a pattern of aggressive and erratic behavior. With outstanding warrants for DUI, failure to appear in court, and failure to re-register as a s*x offender, concerns about his stability and intentions grew.

The parents spoke about their son’s behavior, noting that he was angry with police for targeting him for drunk driving when he was asleep in his parked car and for allegedly not doing enough to help when his Harley Davidson was stolen. “I’m not defending his behavior,” Lee said of the situation, clarifying that he was explaining Ronald’s frustration with law enforcement.

Syvrud lived with his girlfriend, Dawn Batchelder, in a trailer park in Benson, Arizona. Neighbors described him as a troublesome presence, with frequent altercations and signs of aggressive behavior. His girlfriend alerted Syvrud’s parents about his alarming social media threats involving Trump, which eventually led to his arrest.

Cochise County Sheriff Mark Dannels emphasized a zero-tolerance policy for threats. “We have zero tolerance for any kind of threats or intents of violence, so we’ll find him. He’ll go to jail,” Dannels said ahead of the suspect’s arrest. Syvrud is currently detained in the Cochise County Jail.

Heightened Security and Broader Implications

Given the alleged assassination threat and a previous attempt on Trump’s life, authorities were on high alert ahead of and during the event in Cochise County. Trump narrowly escaped an assassination attempt in July, which resulted in significant scrutiny of the US Secret Service and the resignation of its director.

This case is part of a series of threats against candidates ahead of the November general election, highlighting the intense political environment. Previous threats have also targeted other high-profile political figures, underscoring the importance of maintaining robust security measures.