Man accused of threatening Joe Biden shot dead in FBI raid

Washington: A man who allegedly made threats against United States President Joe Biden was shot dead during a Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) raid on Wednesday.

The incident took place in Utah’s Provo while FBI agents were attempting to serve an arrest warrant against the accused Craig Robertson at his residence, just hours ahead of the President's planned visit to the state.

"The agents were giving commands to the man when he pointed a gun at them," a law enforcement source said, while the FBI has not provided any further information on the incident.

Robertson was facing three federal charges, including threats against the President, influencing, impeding, and retaliating against federal law enforcement officers by threat.

Investigators noted that Robertson appeared to own several firearms including a sniper rifle.

“I hear Biden is coming to Utah. Digging out my old Ghille suit and cleaning the dust off the M24 sniper rifle. Welcome buffoon-in-chief," one of his threats read.

The US Secret Service, which is responsible for the protection of high-level government officials, including Biden, said that it is "aware of the FBI investigation involving an individual in Utah who has exhibited threats to a Secret Service protectee”.

Robertson also posted online threats in recent months against Attorney General Merrick Garland, Vice President Kamala Harris, New York State Attorney General Letitia James, California Governor Gavin Newsom, and New York District Attorney Alvin Bragg.

Biden will now make his first visit to Utah as president on Thursday, with a visit to a veterans' hospital and a fundraising event in Park City.

With inputs from IANS