A Marine combat veteran from Casa Grande, Arizona, was convicted Monday of making threats against President Donald Trump, with authorities alleging he vowed to shoot the president-elect in the head with an M-16 service rifle after losing his job at the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Background
Rene Ortiz, 45, went on trial this week following his arrest in early 2025 for allegedly making assassination threats against Trump in November and December 2024, when Trump was president-elect. The case centered on documents Ortiz reportedly left at federal courthouses in Phoenix and Tucson, according to a federal complaint filed by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Arizona.
Federal agents questioned Ortiz about the threats on Dec. 5, 2024, at the Secret Service Phoenix field office. During that interview, Ortiz admitted to making them, authorities said. When asked if he planned to shoot Trump, Ortiz allegedly responded: 'If my demands are not met.'
Ortiz told investigators his grievance stemmed from his employment at the Department of Veterans Affairs. He claimed VA officials promised to pay for his schooling if he quit working there. After leaving his position and enrolling in school, Ortiz alleged he was never reimbursed for his education expenses, according to the complaint.
The Charges
A jury in Phoenix convicted Ortiz on Monday following a four-day trial before U.S. District Judge. He faces a single count of threats against the president, which carries potential penalties including up to five years in federal prison. Sentencing has not yet been scheduled.
Prosecutors alleged that in court documents, Ortiz demanded that officials 'execute the newly elected POTUS by firing an M-16A2 Service Rifle with a magazine of 6 rounds.' The filings included language stating: 'The execution shall commence 3 days upon notice to the Defendants,' and noted the shots would be fired 'from 300 or 500 yards away from the target.'
In another document, Ortiz allegedly threatened to carry out the act himself at Trump's inauguration if his demands were not met. He claimed he possessed an 'Expert Badge' in marksmanship.
Key Takeaways
- The jury deliberated and returned a guilty verdict on Monday after four days of testimony
- Ortiz's family members drove him to courthouse filings but testified they did not know the contents of the threatening documents
- Defense attorneys argued their client suffered from schizoaffective disorder and borderline personality disorder, contending he did not intend to follow through on any threats
- The defense filed a motion for mistrial in June, claiming the court improperly limited questioning of a witness about prior threat investigations; prosecutors opposed the motion
What's Next
Ortiz remains free pending sentencing. A date for his sentencing hearing has not been set. Federal prosecutors have indicated they will pursue the maximum penalty under federal law. The case is being handled by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Arizona in coordination with the FBI and Secret Service.