The Secret Service has detained Tracy Fiorenza, a 41-year-old Chicagoan, on suspicion of sending menacing emails in which she threatened to kill former President Donald Trump and his 17-year-old son Barron. The concerning event happened in the context of Trump’s imminent arrest in Georgia and in response to Melania Trump’s request that Barron stay out of politics.

Fiorenza allegedly wrote a number of emails to the headmaster of a school in Palm Beach, Florida, in May 2023, according to a criminal complaint that was filed in Florida. She threatened to “shoot Donald Trump Sr. AND Barron Trump straight in the face at any opportunity that I get” in these emails, and she even expressed her intention to “slam a bullet in Barron Trump’s head with his father IN SELF DEFENSE!”

Secret Service investigators interviewed Fiorenza on June 14 and performed an investigation, which revealed her threats. She acknowledged sending the menacing emails from her Illinois home throughout the interview.

Fiorenza appeared in federal court in Chicago after her arrest, and it is anticipated that she will be sent there to stand trial in Florida. Wednesday is the date of the detention hearing.

This incident occurs soon after a Texas woman was detained on suspicion of leaving a menacing voicemail for federal Judge Tayna Chutkan. Judge Chutkan is supervising Trump’s prosecution concerning his purported attempts to rig the 2020 presidential election and his purported involvement in the attack on the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021.

Melania Trump expressed her fear for Barron’s safety in the midst of these threats. As to reports, Melania cautioned Donald Trump against involving their son in political debates and against using him as a “political pawn.” Melania’s position is purportedly motivated by her fervent wish to shield Barron from getting drawn into divisive political issues.

The episode involving threats to the lives of Trump and his son raises questions regarding prominent figures’ and their families’ safety in a politically sensitive society.