Clearwater police: Man threatened to kill Trump supporters, DeSantis, other GOP legislators

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Richard Szala (Credit: PCSO booking photo)

A Clearwater man was arrested Wednesday after police say he threatened to kill his neighbor, President Donald Trump supporters, Gov. Ron DeSantis and other Republican dignitaries.

The Clearwater Police Department said Richard Szala, 61, is facing a charge of making a false report concerning the use of a firearm in a violent manner.

Police began investigating after they received tips that Szala was leaving threatening comments on YouTube videos. Those threats included killing Trump supporters, his neighbor, Senators Mitch McConnell, Lindsey Graham, Rand Paul, Marco Rubio, Rick Scott, Representatives Jim Jordan and Matt Gaetz, and Gov. Ron DeSantis.

The IP address used to make those comments led police to Szala’s home in Clearwater.

Police say Szala confessed and was spoken to by Secret Service agents. Police seized Szala’s gun, computer and phone.

Szala was released early Thursday on $10,000 bond.

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