Fact Check: "Stinson offered to raise money for a 'contract hit' on Trump."
What We Know
Peter Stinson, a former Coast Guard lieutenant, has been arrested for allegedly making threats against former President Donald Trump. According to a 19-page FBI affidavit, Stinson made numerous social media posts suggesting violent actions against Trump, including using a gun, knife, and poison. Notably, he stated that while he lacked the skills to kill Trump himself, he was willing to "serve in a support capacity" or raise money for a "contract hit" on Trump. This claim is corroborated by multiple news sources, including CBS News and ABC News, which detail Stinson's threats and his arrest for these actions (CBS News, ABC News).
Analysis
The evidence supporting the claim that Stinson offered to raise money for a "contract hit" on Trump is substantial and comes from credible sources. The FBI affidavit, which is a legal document, outlines specific threats made by Stinson and includes direct quotes from his social media posts. This affidavit serves as a primary source of information, detailing the nature of the threats and Stinson's intentions (CBS News, Police1).
Moreover, the consistency of reports across multiple reputable news organizations, such as CBS News, ABC News, and others, enhances the reliability of the information. These outlets have a history of journalistic integrity and are known for their fact-checking processes. The claim is not only supported by the affidavit but also by the legal actions taken against Stinson, which further validates the seriousness of his threats (ABC News, Newsmax).
However, it is important to note that Stinson's defense attorney has not commented on the case, which leaves some room for speculation regarding his motivations and the context of his statements. Nonetheless, the explicit nature of the threats and the willingness to fund a hit make the claim credible and alarming.
Conclusion
The claim that Peter Stinson offered to raise money for a "contract hit" on Trump is True. The evidence from the FBI affidavit and corroborating news reports clearly indicates that Stinson made such statements, reflecting a serious intent to threaten the former president's life.
Sources
- Trump's First 100 Days: Government Contracts - stinson.com
- Former Coast Guard officer charged with threatening to kill ... - CBS News
- Trump's First 100 Days: Transportation | Stinson LLP - JDSupra
- FBI: Coast Guard vet arrested for threatening to kill Trump - Police1
- What's Next? Legal Insights for the First 100 Days of the Trump ... - stinson.com
- Former Coast Guard lieutenant arrested and charged with ... - ABC News
- Trump's First 100 Days: Banking & Financial Services - stinson.com
- Fmr Coast Guard Lt. Charged With Threats Against Trump - Newsmax