US Navy veteran charged with sending ricin poison mail threat to Donald Trump and Pentagon
Authorities zeroed in on the suspect after finding his return address on at least two of the envelopes; he told police he also sent similar letters to Queen Elizabeth and Russian President Vladimir Putin
A Navy veteran in Utah was charged on Friday with threatening to use a biological toxin as a weapon by sending letters to US President Donald Trump and other leaders containing ground castor beans, the substance from which the poison ricin is derived.
William Clyde Allen III, 39, told investigators he wanted the letters to “send a message”, though he did not elaborate, FBI investigators said in documents filed in US District Court of Utah. Authorities zeroed in on Allen after finding his return address on at least two of the envelopes, according to the complaint.
The envelopes also had a note that said “Jack and the Missile Bean Stock Powder”, the documents said.
US Attorney for Utah John Huber declined to comment on Allen’s mental state, but said the case is “no laughing matter”. “When you’re dealing with suspected ricin, this is nothing to trifle with,” Huber said.
When you’re dealing with suspected ricin, this is nothing to trifle with
During a court hearing Friday, Allen cried as he told a judge that his wife suffers from a spinal condition and he helps her put on her shoes in the morning.