HAINES CITY -- A man is facing charges after police say he threatened to carry out violence in Washington, D.C.
Shannon Badgett, 53, is charged with communicating a written threat to conduct a mass shooting or act of terrorism.
Police say he made a post on Facebook that was reported by one of Badgett's facebook contacts. It referred to the ongoing election controversy... "Our courts are... refusing to hear any evidence regarding voter fraud." He also posted about going to a "target rich environment" in Washington if President Trump didn't declare martial law... adding the words "pew pew pew" to simulate gunfire.
The post attributed to Badgett also added that people were going to die if Roberts" didn't resign. Police believe that could be a reference to Chief Justice John Roberts. The poster also claimed to be building an anti-tank rifle and submachine guns without a permit. Police found no firearms in Badgett's home.
Badgett, who used to be a police officer in Ohio, got on law enforcement's radar after a claim that he sent emails to a Nevada circuit judge.
Family members told detectives Badgett has been diagnosed with mental health disorders. Police say Badgett admitted writing the posts but said he had no intentions of harming anyone, merely to express his frustration with voter fraud.
Badgett was taken to the Polk County jail under the Baker Act for a mental health evaluation. He also received a risk protection order limiting his access to guns and ammunition.
Haines City police Jim Elensky says "Given the high political tensions of late, these threats simply could not be ignored.. (Badgett) will be evaluated mentally to ensure he has access to the help he needs."
Photo: HCPD