STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — A 74-year-old local man was arrested on Friday after allegedly making a threat against former President Donald J. Trump, who held a campaign rally the following day at Penn State University, authorities said.
The suspect, identified as Paul J. Gavenonis, was taken into custody by Penn State Police after an employee at the university’s Transportation Office reported the alleged incident, according to a crime log released by the department. The employee told law enforcement that Gavenonis made threatening remarks while purchasing a parking pass for a commuter lot on campus.
The incident occurred Friday afternoon, just a day before Trump’s scheduled appearance at the Bryce Jordan Center, where he was set to address supporters alongside members of the Penn State wrestling team. According to a probable cause affidavit cited by WTAJ, Gavenonis mentioned the upcoming rally and expressed strong feelings about Trump, allegedly stating, “I hate Donald Trump” and “I’d like to shoot that guy,” while making a motion as if he were handling a firearm.
The employee reported the remarks to police approximately 12 minutes after the exchange, leading to Gavenonis’ arrest. The suspect is now being held at the Centre County Prison, according to jail records.
Authorities have not released additional information about the incident, citing an ongoing investigation.