In late February of 2008, 50-year-old Los Angeles man Charles Madrid was arrested and charged with charged with "knowingly and willfully threatening to take the life of the president." During a preliminary hearing on March 3, 2008, a judge set Madrid's bail at $225,000 and ordered him to wear an electronic tracking device and remain confined to his home if he posted bail. The judge also prohibited Madrid from owning firearms and suggested he seek psychiatric counseling.
Telephone Threats
During a telephone conversation with ex-girlfriend Wanda O'Hickey-Way, Madrid reportedly said: "Committing this murder is not a murder, it's making a difference for the people. I'm going to kill who needs to be killed." O'Hickey-Way promptly called 911 to report the threat. When authorities arrived at his house and asked him if he wanted to kill the President, Madrid reportedly replied, "Yes."
References
Fast Facts
-
Fact:
Lives with his mother, Rachel Madrid-Hall
-
Fact:
Was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2006
-
Fact:
Worked as a radio technician
-
Fact:
Blames President Bush for the Iraq War and the struggling U.S. economy
-
Fact:
After an examination, doctors reported that Madrid was not mentally ill, but had a "severe anger problem"
