Here are the facts.
Law enforcement officials in Missouri say a disturbing threat against President Donald Trump was uncovered after a woman allegedly stole a firearm from her father and sent messages discussing a plan to target the president.
Authorities say the situation was reported to investigators and ultimately shared with the U.S. Secret Service, the federal agency responsible for protecting the president.
The case highlights the ongoing security challenges surrounding threats against public officials and the importance of quick action by law enforcement and concerned citizens.
Missouri Woman Accused of Stealing Gun
According to a criminal complaint filed by the Ozark County Sheriff’s Office in Gainesville, Missouri, a woman identified as Johnetta Parsons is accused of taking a handgun from her father’s home in early December 2025.
Investigators say the weapon — identified as a SCCY CPX-2 9mm pistol — was reported missing after Parsons allegedly removed it from the residence without permission.
Authorities later learned that Parsons had traveled to St. Louis, where the firearm was eventually left inside a friend’s vehicle nearly a month later.
The situation escalated after family members reported disturbing text messages that allegedly described a plan to target President Donald Trump.
Alleged Threat Reported to Police
According to Sheriff’s Deputy Matthew Rhoades, a family member contacted authorities after receiving messages from Parsons that raised serious concerns.
In a probable cause statement, Rhoades said the suspect allegedly told the relative she planned to use the stolen firearm against President Trump after securing transportation from a Greyhound bus station in St. Louis.
Investigators say the suspect sent multiple messages referencing the weapon and discussing her intentions.
In additional communications reviewed by deputies, Parsons allegedly admitted taking the firearm and told her father to report the gun as stolen.
Authorities say those messages were key pieces of evidence in the investigation.
Stolen Firearm Later Recovered
The investigation took another turn on January 3, when law enforcement received information that Parsons had been dropped off near the Greyhound station in St. Louis.
Around that time, officers with the Columbia Police Department located the stolen firearm inside a vehicle containing personal belongings.
Two individuals reportedly told police they had driven Parsons to St. Louis before later discovering the gun inside the car.
After the weapon was recovered, family members alerted authorities about the threatening text messages.
Secret Service Notified
Due to the seriousness of the alleged threat, local investigators contacted the U.S. Secret Service, which handles protection for the president and investigates threats against national leaders.
Officials said the information was passed along to federal authorities for review.
At the time of publication, no federal charges connected to the alleged threat have been publicly announced.
However, Missouri court records show Parsons has been charged with one count of stealing a firearm.
Her initial court appearance was scheduled for Wednesday.
Trump Has Faced Previous Threats
The reported threat comes after several serious incidents involving President Donald Trump over the past two years.
One of the most shocking occurred during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, in July 2024. During the event, a gunman opened fire toward the stage as Trump addressed supporters.
Law enforcement officers quickly neutralized the attacker. Tragically, one rally attendee was killed and two others were injured. Trump sustained a wound to his right ear but returned to his feet and continued addressing the crowd.
Another attempted attack occurred in September 2024 near Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida.
Authorities arrested Ryan Routh before he was able to carry out the plot. In February 2026, Routh was sentenced to life in prison.
Security Around the President Remains Tight
The U.S. Secret Service continues to maintain strict security measures to protect the president, especially following multiple threats in recent years.
Federal officials routinely investigate suspicious activity, online threats, and reports from concerned citizens to ensure potential dangers are addressed before they can escalate.
Law enforcement officials say the Missouri case demonstrates how quick reporting and coordination between local authorities and federal agencies can help prevent potential harm.