Two Arrested After Trump Rally in Asheboro, NC, Over Weapons Display Incident

Attempts on Trump’s life are increasing in frequency

After a seemingly calm and orderly Trump rally in Asheboro, North Carolina, two men found themselves in handcuffs, their firearms confiscated by authorities following an unsettling post-event incident. The main suspect, 79-year-old Robert Castona Jr., was cited under North Carolina’s General Statute 14-277.2, which prohibits the display of weapons at public events such as parades. This citation stemmed from an incident where Castona allegedly displayed a weapon from within his vehicle during what police described as a road rage encounter.

Two men were placed in handcuffs at a North Carolina Trump rally, the first outdoor rally former President Trump has had since a failed assassination attempt in July. Officers pulled weapons from a vehicle and at least one man was taken into custody: https://t.co/qxe5vkLZv6 pic.twitter.com/OIh8oUUaBX

— NewsNation (@NewsNation) August 21, 2024

The Asheboro Police Department, which had earlier laid out a comprehensive list of banned items for the rally—ranging from drones to firearms—acted swiftly upon receiving reports of the incident. However, their investigation revealed that while Castona did display a weapon, it was never aimed at anyone, nor were any direct threats made. This distinction led the police to conclude that the situation did not meet the criteria for more severe charges under state law, such as assault or communicating threats.

Earlier today, President Trump welcomed all of the Sheriffs onto the stage in North Carolina who endorsed him for #POTUS47—to shake their hands and say THANK YOU!!! #LESM pic.twitter.com/TIp8cSp6uf

— Dan Scavino Jr.🇺🇸🦅 (@DanScavino) August 22, 2024

The incident unfolded after the rally had ended, as attendees were dispersing. Despite initial rumors suggesting that Castona had brandished his weapon threateningly, the police clarified that no such threats were made. Officers who had been aiding the Secret Service during the event quickly detained Castona and began a thorough investigation to determine the facts.

Trump’s Asheboro Rally:

“Heavy police presence… two men in handcuffs… one taken into custody….

Officers removed weapons from a car….

Police have not released information about their identities or the specific weapons that were seized….”https://t.co/K0XLH3a4lo

— Sally Robin (@Astro_Mundane) August 22, 2024

In the aftermath, Castona was issued a citation and subsequently released, with a court date set for September 16, 2024. The event highlighted the heightened sensitivities and quick response surrounding public gatherings, particularly those involving high-profile political figures, and served as a reminder of the strict regulations in place to ensure public safety.

Past attempts before in Trump’s life before Crooks

1. 2016 Assassination Attempt in Las Vegas:

• Incident: In June 2016, during Trump’s presidential campaign, a British man named Michael Sandford attempted to grab a police officer’s gun at a rally in Las Vegas, with the intention of shooting Trump. Sandford was arrested and later told authorities that he had planned the attempt for a year.
• Outcome: Sandford was charged with attempting to commit an act of violence on restricted grounds and was sentenced to 12 months and one day in federal prison. He later expressed regret for his actions.

2. Mail Bomb Plot (2018):

• Incident: In October 2018, a series of pipe bombs were mailed to prominent Democrats, including Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, and CNN, as well as Trump critics like Robert De Niro. While Trump was not a direct target of these bombs, the perpetrator, Cesar Sayoc, was a fervent supporter of Trump, and the incident highlighted the politically charged environment.
• Outcome: Sayoc was arrested, pleaded guilty to 65 felony counts, and was sentenced to 20 years in prison.

3. Secret Service Protection:

• Enhanced Security: Throughout Trump’s presidency and even after, the Secret Service has continually enhanced security measures to protect him from potential threats. This includes regular assessments of threats and deploying advanced protective tactics.
• Public Threats: There have been numerous publicized threats against Trump, often shared on social media platforms, leading to Secret Service investigations. These threats have ranged from verbal threats to implied violence.

4. Ricin Poisoning Attempt (2020):

• Incident: In September 2020, a package containing ricin, a highly toxic substance, was intercepted by law enforcement before it reached the White House. The package was addressed to President Trump, and a Canadian woman was later arrested in connection with the attempted poisoning.
• Outcome: The suspect, Pascale Ferrier, was charged with making a threat against the President of the United States and was extradited to the U.S. to face trial.

Major Points

• Following a Trump rally in Asheboro, North Carolina, two men were arrested, including 79-year-old Robert Castona Jr., who allegedly displayed a firearm during a road rage incident.
• Castona was cited under North Carolina’s General Statute 14-277.2, which prohibits weapon displays at public events, but no direct threats were made, and the weapon was not aimed at anyone.
• The Asheboro Police Department acted swiftly, having already enforced strict security measures at the rally, including a ban on firearms.
• The police determined that the incident did not warrant more severe charges, such as assault, and Castona was released with a court date set for September 16, 2024.
• The incident underscores the importance of regulations at public events, particularly those involving high-profile political figures, to maintain safety and order.

RM Tomi – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News