LAS VEGAS, June 21 (UPI) — A 20-year-old British man tried to steal a police officer’s gun and kill presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump at a rally in Las Vegas over the weekend, according to a federal complaint filed Monday.
Michael Steven Sandford faces one count of attempting to commit an act of physical violence on restricted grounds, according to the complaint, filed by the U.S. Attorney’s office in Nevada.
Sandford, who suffers from a form of autism, was living out of his car on an expired visa.
He walked up to a Las Vegas police officer during a Trump rally at the Treasure Island Casino as if he was seeking an autograph from the real estate mogul, according to the complaint.
Seeing the officer’s gun in an unlocked position, Sandford was able to grab the gun’s handle with both hands, the complaint noted. Police quickly put Sandford under arrest.
At a brief Monday hearing, U.S. Magistrate Judge George Foley Jr. determined Sandford a danger to the community and a flight risk.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Grimmer said Sandford is financially supported by his mother in the United Kingdom, has previously tried to kill himself and has vowed to try to kill Trump again and might have some “mental health issues.”
Sanford is next scheduled to be in court on July 5 to determine whether he should stand trial. He is likely to also receive a grand jury indictment by then.
