GREENBRIER, TN – Andrew Long Ryan, 37, of Greenbrier, Tennessee, is facing federal charges after allegedly threatening to assassinate President Donald Trump. A federal grand jury indicted Ryan on two counts of making threats against the President, according to a statement released by U.S. Attorney Don Cochran of the Middle District of Tennessee. Ryan was initially taken into custody June 18, 2018, and remains in federal custody.
The charges stem from a series of increasingly alarming posts Ryan made on social media in late May 2018, coinciding with President Trump’s visit to Nashville. Court records detail a Facebook post reading simply, “Death is coming,” and a chilling Twitter message stating, “I will kill Donald Trump if you don’t follow my leaders lead.” These weren’t isolated incidents, officials say.
Ryan, a former officer with the Bowling Green, Kentucky, Police Department, allegedly displayed a pattern of erratic behavior in the months leading up to the threats. Charging documents paint a picture of a man spiraling, with family members reportedly living in fear of his actions. The Robertson County, Tennessee Sheriff’s Department had already apprehended Ryan in early June for violating a protective order obtained by his family, highlighting a pre-existing pattern of instability.
Law enforcement had been tracking Ryan’s descent for some time. The Greenbrier Police Department seized firearms from his residence on February 14, 2018, and multiple agencies – including the Federal Protective Service and the FBI – had previously noted his concerning behavior. Officers reportedly feared his actions would escalate to a mass violence event, a fear that prompted the Secret Service to intervene.
The U.S. Secret Service led the investigation, receiving crucial support from local and federal partners. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ben Schrader is prosecuting the case. If convicted on both counts, Ryan faces a potential prison sentence of up to five years per charge, totaling a maximum of ten years behind bars.
It’s crucial to remember that an indictment is not a conviction. Ryan is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. However, the evidence presented thus far suggests a clear and present danger, prompting a swift and decisive response from federal authorities. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on any further developments.
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Key Facts
- Agency: U.S. Secret Service
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Press Release
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