SC man charged with threatening to kill Trump must undergo mental evaluation • SC Daily Gazette

You need to stay informed about the recent case of Travis Lang, a 47-year-old man from Irmo, South Carolina, who has been charged with threatening to kill former President Donald Trump. A federal judge has set his bond at $25,000, but before he can be released, he must complete a mental health evaluation. This evaluation will determine whether he is fit for home detention or needs to go to a mental health treatment facility, emphasizing the serious nature of his alleged threats and prior behavior towards various politicians.

Key Takeaways:

Travis Lang, 47, of Irmo, is charged with threatening President Donald Trump. (Photo courtesy of Lexington County Sheriff’s Office)

• Travis Lang, a 47-year-old from Irmo, South Carolina, faces charges for threatening to kill former President Donald Trump, having a history of similar threats dating back to 2020.
• Lang has been granted the possibility of home detention pending a mental health evaluation, which will determine whether he is released to his apartment or a treatment facility.
• His threats extended beyond Trump to other politicians, and his bond has been set at $25,000, with strict conditions including GPS tracking and monitoring of his electronic devices if released.

Case Overview

Before the charges were filed, Travis Lang of Irmo had a troubling history of threatening behavior toward numerous public officials, including former President Donald Trump. Following a message sent to his son expressing intentions to harm Trump, federal authorities intervened. A judge later determined that Lang could await trial under strict conditions, including supervision and monitoring.

Defendant Background

Behind Travis Lang’s challenges lies a history of mental health issues and erratic behavior. Since moving to Irmo, he has struggled with employment stability and was previously deemed mentally ill, leading to a ruling that prohibits him from owning firearms.

Charges and Initial Plea

Background details reveal that Lang has pleaded not guilty to charges of threatening to kill Trump. The allegations stem from a Facebook message sent on February 17, wherein he stated he was “provoked to kill myself and Donald Trump.” He has also made numerous posts threatening various public officials dating back to 2020, causing concern among authorities about his potential for violence.

It is significant that the prosecution argues Lang’s message constitutes a direct threat. His history of threatening behavior, which includes emails to local officials and posts on social media, raises serious issues about his mental state. The court’s decision requires a mental health evaluation, and if released, Lang will face stringent monitoring, including GPS tracking and limitations on communication with public officials. These measures indicate the seriousness of the charges against him and the potential risks involved.

Threats History

If you are examining the alarming patterns of threats made by Travis Lang, it’s important to note that he has a lengthy history of threatening officials from various political affiliations. For more information, visit Home • SC Daily Gazette.

Previous Threats to Officials

Across multiple occasions since 2020, Lang has made threats not only against President Donald Trump but also directed alarming messages toward other politicians, including a Republican senator and state officials. His behavior raised serious concerns, leading to his being barred from Statehouse grounds and noted interactions with law enforcement.

Social Media Activity

Beside his direct threats, Lang’s social media activity has been extensively documented. Officials noted that he posted threatening messages on various platforms, demonstrating a consistent pattern of violent rhetoric toward politicians. This included a terrifying declaration in April 2023 where he articulated intentions to execute prominent political figures.

Officials observed that Lang’s posts included messages of violence and discontent towards political leadership, showcasing his escalating hostility. In one extreme instance, he stated, “I am going to kill you, given the opportunity,” further illustrating the serious nature of his threats. His online behavior has underscored the necessity for monitoring and intervention, especially after being warned to cease such actions by the Secret Service.

Matthew J. Perry Jr. U.S. Courthouse in Columbia, where Travis Lang of Irmo appeared Friday, March 14, 2025, for a bond hearing on charges of threatening to kill President Donald Trump. (File photo by Abraham Kenmore/SC Daily Gazette)

Court Proceedings

Unlike many cases involving threats to public officials, this one highlights the potential instability of the accused. A South Carolina man faces federal charges for allegedly threatening to kill President Trump, which emphasizes the severity of his actions and the ongoing legal ramifications.

Bond Hearing Decision

Bond has been set at $25,000 for Travis Lang, who is currently held in Lexington County jail. The decision allows for the possibility of home detention, pending additional evaluations and determinations about his living situation.

Mental Health Evaluation Requirement

Proceedings mandate a mental health evaluation before Lang can finalize his bond payment. This assessment will decide whether his release will entail returning to his apartment or being placed in a mental health treatment facility. The seriousness of his threats, including a message to his son asserting a desire to kill Trump and himself, indicates a need for careful observation given his history of threats since 2020 and recent communications suggesting distress. You should be aware of the monitoring conditions, which include GPS tracking and limitations on contacting public officials.

Secret Service Involvement

Keep in mind that the Secret Service plays a vital role in investigating threats against the President. In this case, they acted quickly after being alerted to Travis Lang’s threatening message, demonstrating their commitment to ensuring the safety of national leaders. Their involvement underscores the serious nature of threats in today’s political climate.

Investigation Details

Around the time of the threat, Secret Service agents conducted a thorough investigation into Travis Lang’s background and history of threatening behavior. This included examining Lang’s social media posts dating back to 2020, where he made alarming statements aimed at various politicians, highlighting a concerning pattern of intimidation that prompted federal attention.

Threat Assessment

By evaluating the context of Lang’s messages and his previous communications, authorities aimed to determine the severity of the threats he posed. The Secret Service considers any message threatening the president, regardless of the directness of the communication, to be serious. Lang’s claims of feeling ‘tortured’ and his expressed intentions to harm both himself and Donald Trump illustrate a potentially dangerous mindset.

Understanding Lang’s history and his interactions with the Secret Service reveals the significant risk he posed. As per Matt Reisenweber, the senior special agent involved, Lang didn’t shy away from expressing violent desires both towards public officials and himself. His direct threats to various politicians amplify the seriousness of his case, spanning multiple jurisdictions and years. The involvement of mental health evaluations suggests that there may be deeper issues at play, making it imperative for professionals to assess his intentions thoroughly before moving forward.

Legal Arguments

Once again, the legal proceedings surrounding Travis Lang raised questions about the nature of threats against public figures. His defense team argues that the phrase he used may not constitute a true threat, as it was directed in a private message to his son rather than the intended target. This distinction is key in assessing the legal ramifications of his statements and determining the outcome of his charges.

Defense Position

Beside the argument about the true nature of the threat, your defense attorney, Jeremy Thompson, believes Lang’s comments reflect more of a “cry for help” rather than an intent to carry out a crime. They emphasize that making threats directly to a public figure is not feasible for most individuals, especially due to the lack of access to the president.

Prosecution’s Stance

After presenting their case, prosecutors maintain that threats against a president must be treated with utmost seriousness. They highlight the potential danger posed not only to Trump but to society as a whole, given Lang’s history of threatening behavior which has persisted since at least 2020. The prosecution refers to two recent assassination attempts against Trump, noting that “every threat cannot be taken lightly,” emphasizing the gravity of Lang’s actions.

Considering the facts, the prosecution argues Lang’s history of making threats, including specific remarks about assassinating both current and former officials, suggests a pattern that cannot be ignored by the court. They caution that it is necessary to regard such claims as potentially harmful, especially when they follow events where the Secret Service’s failures have previously resulted in actual violence. The existence of a mental health evaluation further adds complexity to the case, as the prosecution aims to underscore the need for vigilance in safeguarding public safety.

Impact of Threats

After repeated instances of threats against political figures, including a recent charge by Travis Lang against former President Donald Trump, the implications are significant. Such threats can lead to increased security measures and heightened anxiety among public officials. For detailed context, you can read more from the SC Daily Gazette.

Effects on Targeted Officials

Before any direct threats, many officials operate under the assumption of safety. Yet, as evidenced by Lang’s threats and his history of targeting various politicians, this sense of security can quickly diminish. Officials may find themselves needing to increase their security protocols, leading to a significant burden on resources.

Broader Implications for Public Safety

On a wider scale, threats against public figures, such as the intense scrutiny and precautionary measures following Lang’s allegations, can foster a culture of fear. This not only affects the officials but also influences public perception of safety in democratic processes.

This growing trend of threats can have serious repercussions. It emphasizes the need for effective mental health evaluations, like the one required for Lang, ensuring that those posing risks can be identified early. Furthermore, with the Secret Service maintaining vigilance following two assassination attempts on Trump, you should be aware that the security of your elected officials is increasingly crucial to maintaining public trust and safety. As communities, we must understand the balance between freedom of expression and the safety of those in positions of authority, as each incident further complicates this relationship.

On the whole

You should be aware that Travis Lang, a South Carolina man charged with threatening President Donald Trump, faces a mental health evaluation before potential release on bond. The court has emphasized the seriousness of threats against public officials, reflecting the need for careful monitoring and assessment of individuals making such statements. As the case progresses, you can expect close scrutiny of Lang’s previous threats and mental state, underscoring the importance of public safety in this situation.

FAQ

Q: What are the specific charges against Travis Lang?

A: Travis Lang has been charged with threatening to kill former President Donald Trump. Specifically, he sent a message to his son on Facebook in which he claimed he had been tortured and provoked into considering violence against both himself and Trump. This charge is part of a broader history of threatening behavior directed towards various politicians at all levels of government.

Q: What conditions must Travis Lang meet before he can be released on bond?

A: Before Travis Lang can be released on bond, he must undergo a mental health evaluation in state court. Based on the results of this evaluation, the court will determine whether he can be released to his apartment under GPS monitoring or sent to a mental health treatment facility. If released to his home, he will be subject to software monitoring of his electronic devices and prohibited from contacting any public officials.

Q: How has Lang’s history of threatening behavior been documented and what actions have been taken?

A: Lang’s history of making threats dates back to at least 2020 and includes various threatening posts directed at both Democratic and Republican officials. Testimony from a Secret Service agent revealed that he continued to make threats even after being visited by agents who warned him to cease such behavior. Lang was also previously banned from Statehouse grounds for harassing legislators, highlighting ongoing concerns about his conduct and mental health.

Republished with permission of The South Carolina Daily Gazette.

https://scdailygazette.com/2025/03/14/sc-man-charged-with-threatening-to-kill-trump-must-undergo-mental-evaluation/