Arizona Teacher Arrested for Alleged Threats at Political Gathering

Handcuffs on top of an arrest warrant document.
District Court Arrest Warrant court papers with handcuffs isolated on white with shallow depth of field

An Arizona teacher is under scrutiny following serious allegations of threatening Donald Trump Jr. and Charlie Kirk, leaving the community in shock.

At a Glance

  • An Arizona social studies teacher named Daniel Ashpes was arrested for sending threats to Donald Trump Jr. and Charlie Kirk.
  • The threats were allegedly made online while Trump Jr. and Kirk were in the East Valley for a political rally.
  • Ashpes has been placed on administrative leave as the investigation continues.
  • He faces multiple charges, including threatening to cause physical injury and using a phone to intimidate.

Arrest of Daniel Ashpes

Daniel Ashpes, a 24-year-old social studies teacher at Desert Vista High School, was arrested on October 17 for allegedly sending threatening messages to Donald Trump Jr. and Charlie Kirk. The threats coincided with a political event in the East Valley where the Republican figures were scheduled to appear. The arrest, made by local authorities, resulted in Ashpes being booked into the Tempe City Jail.

The messages, reportedly sent in response to an automated messaging service for rally RSVPs, included threats of physical harm. Ashpes confessed to sending these messages during a police interview. The situation has prompted the Tempe Union High School District to place Ashpes on administrative leave.

School District’s Response

The Tempe Union High School District emphasized its zero-tolerance policy regarding threats and harassment. “While we cannot comment on the specifics of the situation, we are aware that Tempe PD has filed charges related to alleged online threats,” a district spokesman stated.

“He has been placed on administrative leave as authorities investigate the situation at hand.”

The district reassured that any involvement in threatening behavior by employees or students would result in serious consequences, aiming to maintain a secure and respectful environment for all.

Broader Political Context

Donald Trump Jr. and Charlie Kirk, both influential figures in the conservative movement, have been actively campaigning. Trump Jr. supports his father, former President Donald Trump, while Kirk, founder of Turning Point Action, contributes significantly to the campaign.

Both figures are scheduled for upcoming rallies in Las Vegas but were recently in the East Valley, which led to the alleged threats. Their efforts are part of a broader campaign to attract younger male voters, often referred to as the “bro vote,” through rallies and media appearances.

Sources

1. Social studies teacher, 24, is arrested for sending threat to Donald Trump Jr and Charlie Kirk

2. Teacher accused of posting threats against Donald Trump Jr., Charlie Kirk in Tempe

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