Threat to shoot Trump was not written by Mexican man, investigators now say
The handwritten letter Morales-Reyes allegedly sent to ICE. (Department of Homeland Security)
A claim by Homeland Security that an immigrant threatened the life of President Donald Trump has begun to unravel.
Last week, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced an arrest of a 54-year-old man who was living in the U.S. illegally, saying he had written a letter threatening to kill Trump and would then return to Mexico. The story received a flood of media attention and was highlighted by the White House and Trump's allies. Noem also shared the letter on X along with a photo of Morales Reyes, and the White House also shared it on its social media accounts.
Law enforcement now believes Ramon Morales-Reyes may not have written letter
But investigators actually believe the man may have been framed so that he would get arrested and be deported from the U.S. before he got a chance to testify in a trial as a victim of assault, a person familiar with the matter told The Associated Press. The person could not publicly discuss details of the investigation and spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity.
Side-by-side images of Ramon Morales-Reyes and the letter. (Credit: Department of Homeland Security)
Law enforcement officials believe the man, Ramon Morales Reyes, never wrote the letter with a message written in light blue ink expressing anger over Trump’s deportations and threatening to shoot him in the head with a rifle at a rally.
As part of the investigation, officials had contacted Morales Reyes and asked for a handwriting sample and concluded his handwriting and the threatening letter didn’t match and that the threat was not credible, the person said.
What they're saying:
In an emailed statement asking for information about the letter and the new information about Morales Reyes, the Department of Homeland Security said "the investigation into the threat is ongoing. Over the course of the investigation, this individual was determined to be in the country illegally and that he had a criminal record. He will remain in custody."
Who was arrested?
Morales Reyes is a Mexican national who allegedly entered the United States illegally on nine separate occasions between 1999 and 2005.
The backstory:
Morales-Reyes had been previously arrested for felony hit-and-run, criminal damage to property and disorderly conduct with "a domestic abuse modifier," according to the Department of Homeland Security.
What did the letter say?
Dig deeper:
"We are tired of this president messing with us Mexicans – We have done more for this country than you white people – you have been deporting my family and I think it is time Donald J. Trump get what he has coming to him," the letter read.
EARLIER: Man threatened to shoot Trump in head "for messing with us Mexicans," ICE says
"I will self deport myself back to Mexico but not before I use my 30 yard 6 to shoot your precious president in is head – I will see him at one of his big ralleys [sic]." He reportedly appears to be referencing the .30-06 Springfield rifle.
The letter was received on May 21 and Morales-Reyes was arrested last Thursday, DHS said.
The Source: Information for this article was taken from a Department of Homeland Security news release and FOX News reporting. The Associated Press and previous FOX Local reporting contributed. This story was reported from Los Angeles.
Chambers County crime: 91 storage units burglarized, suspect captured within 24 hours
A suspect has been charged after Chambers County Sheriff's Office deputies responded to reports of multiple storage units being burglarized.
Former Greenspoint Mall site in North Houston to be redeveloped into $150 million CityNorth Industrial Park
The former Greenspoint Mall site in North Houston will be redeveloped into a large industrial park under a $150 million project announced by Lincoln and New York Life Investment Management.
20-year-old Houston-area man facing 3 felonies after being attacked by K-9 tells his side of the story
"I was in fear," Christopher said. "I was wondering, am I going to get shot, or is this dog going to take a piece of me? Are they going to beat me up? I didn't know what to think."
1 dead after stabbing at Houston METRO bus stop, suspect in custody
One person is dead, and a suspect is in custody following a stabbing at a Houston METRO bus stop in Trinity/Houston Gardens on Tuesday afternoon.
Texas Rangers execute search warrants in Camp Mystic deadly flood probe
In a significant development in the investigation into the deadly flooding at Camp Mystic, FOX 4 has learned a judge signed search warrants as part of a criminal investigation into the camp and its leaders.
Fulshear Police Department Captain takes aim at teen distracted driving with 'rookie responders' course
Fulshear Police Capt. Mike McCoy reached a milestone Tuesday by educating his 8,500th student through "Rookie Responders," a monthly course created nine years ago to prepare young drivers for traffic stops and road hazards.
Houston weather: Sunny, slightly less humid for Wednesday
Lots of sunshine with very limited rain is expected through the rest of the week. Temperatures ease slightly into the low to mid 90s, while drier air brings lower humidity and heat index values below 100° by late week.
Felony Assault Charges Against Briarwood Students
Three former Briarwood School students face felony sexual assault charges, sparking outrage over disturbing locker room abuse allegations. This report delves into the legal proceedings and the implications for the school's community.
Iran War Impact: Business explodes on Ship Channel
In this brief segment from FOX 26 News, we delve into the ongoing war with Iran and its impact on global oil flow, highlighting the critical developments in this unfolding story.
Teen Driver Safety Course: A Local Officer's Initiative
A Fulshear Police Captain is empowering young drivers with essential safety skills in a free course on distracted driving and what to do when pulled over. FOX 26's MeKenna Earnhart spoke with him.