Gerrard Kaonga
A TikToker’s mental health has been called into question following alleged threats to blow up buildings including the White House.
On May 1, TikToker Daniel Larson was arrested and has been charged after sending alleged dangerous threats.
He was charged with several counts of 'use or threatened use of explosive material', after allegedly threatening to blow up FBI headquarters, and several government buildings in Colorado in addition to the White House.
The United States has since requested that Larson remains in custody for the duration of his trial. Larson contested the suggestion of being detained for the duration.
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On May 10, a judge granted the request and explained the reasoning behind this move in court documents.
Judge Reid Neureiter wrote: "I find the following: The defendant is charged with multiple counts resulting from threats to bomb public places, including a Colorado courthouse, the University of Colorado campus, a non-profit center in Lakewood.
“He also threatened an FBI agent and threatened to bomb the FBI headquarters. These threats were widely transmitted publicly via the internet, usually on videos, via apps such as TikTok, or YouTube.”
The judge also said Larson has mental health issues and explained this influenced his decision as well as his living situation.
"Mr. Larson appears to have mental health issues. He has been homeless for years, and it was represented by counsel that he makes some money from his internet posting and may receive social security benefits. He is unemployed and has no stable place to live."
The judge highlighted it is not clear whether Larson would actually act on his alleged threats or even had means or ability to act on them.
Judge Neureiter also highlighted that the TikToker had previously been contacted the FBI about his alleged threats and warned against making further on before he was arrested.
Concerns were also raised that Larson’s conduct appeared to be escalating rather than decreasing. In the statement the judge remarked that the TikToker had made statements indicating that has ‘been to jail’ and learned ‘how to make a bomb,’.
The judge concluded: “Based on these facts, I conclude by clear and convincing evidencethat no condition or combination of conditions of release will reasonably assure the safety of the community or that the Defendant will appear at trial as required.”
Larson is currently being held at Clear Creek County Jail in Colorado.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available through Mental Health America. Call or text 988 to reach a 24-hour crisis center or you can webchat at 988lifeline.org. You can also reach the Crisis Text Line by texting MHA to 741741.