A 19-year-old British citizen who told authorities he wanted to kill Donald Trump, following his arrest for attempting to wrestle a gun from an officer at a Trump rally, was brought before a judge on Monday, June 20. Michael Steven Sandford is said to have been trembling when he appeared shackled with leg irons at the U.S. District Court in Nevada. He was charged with an act of violence on restricted grounds and ordered to be held without bail by Federal Magistrate Judge George Foley, who deemed him a danger to the community and potential flight risk.
Sandford had gotten within feet of the podium upon which Trump was about to address supporters at Treasure Island Casino in Las Vegas, when he struck up a conversation with a police officer working Trump's security detail. Within moments the officer was forced to restrain the Brit, who had suddenly made a move for his holster in an attempt to take possession of his gun. Upon being taken into custody police learned of Sandford's plans to follow Trump to his next stop in Phoenix if he missed the opportunity to make an attempt on the Republican nominee's life.
Sandford is reported to have driven from California, where he had been living out of his car for several months. He was in the states illegally, on an expired visa. Having never fired a gun, he paid a visit to the Battlefield Vegas shooting range in preparation for his unsuccessful attempt. Sandford told authorities he had been planning the attack for about a year and decided to act having finally felt confident to do so. His hearing has been scheduled for July 5.
Source: time.com
