Police: Ex-officer jailed around DC-related on the web threats

A Florida man who is a previous police officer made on line threats involving possible violence in Washington, authorities stated Wednesday.

Shannon Badgett, 53, was arrested and billed with communicating a prepared risk to conduct a mass taking pictures or act of terrorism, the Haines Metropolis Police Division claimed in a information release.

Police say Badgett, a previous Ohio police officer, was jailed and will undergo a mental health evaluation. It was not straight away apparent if he experienced a lawyer to characterize him. Police explained he labored for 12 years as an officer in Lake Township, Ohio, and maybe at one other law enforcement office in that condition.

Investigators mentioned a Facebook contact of Badgett’s noted some of his posts to them. The posts expressed irritation with what Badgett considers election fraud in the 2020 presidential vote, in which President-elect Joe Biden defeated President Donald Trump.

“Our courts are unable to articulate their choice by refusing to listen to any evidence relating to voter fraud,” a single on the net publish stated.

There was no common fraud in the election, which a array of election officers throughout the state which include Trump’s former legal professional standard, William Barr, have confirmed.

In accordance to law enforcement, Badgett said he would go to a “target-rich environment” in Washington if Trump did not impose martial legislation. The put up provides “Pew. Pew. Pew,” which police say is an imitation of gunshots.

Badgett also claimed in posts that he was making an anti-tank rifle and machine guns with out any type of lawful authority, investigators mentioned.

“Why do I have to have ‘permission’ if I stay in a state in which I supposedly authorized to do as I choose?” 1 write-up states.

Other posts make apparent references to Chief Justice John Roberts, which includes a person made up of a veiled threat.

“If I really don’t see his resignation, soon. Bad factors transpire to very good men and women,” the post suggests.

At least 5 other adult males from Florida are dealing with fees connected to very last week’s violent insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, but you will find no sign Badgett took element in that.

Police mentioned Badgett admitted producing the on the web posts but reported he in no way intended to harm everyone. Spouse and children customers explained to authorities Badgett has psychological wellness issues and that there are no weapons in his residence.

But police had been getting no likelihood.

“Given the substantial political tensions of late, these threats merely could not be dismissed,” Haines Metropolis Police Chief Jim Elensky explained in the news release. “Our detectives acted quickly to ensure that these posts did not escalate into actions here or anyplace else.”

Haines City is about 38 miles (60 kilometers) southwest of Orlando.