A North Dakota man accused of threatening to assassinate President Donald Trump and other high-ranking government officials will be detained until his trial, after federal prosecutors told the court he is mentally unstable and a potential threat to others.
On Thursday, U.S. Magistrate Judge Alice R. Senechal granted an order of detention for Andrew Wayne Sandvik, who is currently charged with threatening a federal official, according to court records.
Senechal’s order came despite a pretrial services report that Sandvik be placed on supervised release as long as he lives with his mother while his case is heard, according to Fargo ABC station WDAY.
In addition to seeking Sandvik’s arrest, prosecutors asked the court to order a psychiatric evaluation for the defendant, citing statements submitted by Sandvik’s family members to federal officials.
For example, a family member told the FBI that over the summer, Sandvik claimed to be “directly communicating with God” and had been “assigned tasks to perform at God’s request.” Investigators noted that such claims were consistent with Sandvik’s social media posts, several of which had already been reported to local police.
Sandvik’s acquaintance informed police in September about a Facebook post in which the defendant stated that he planned on “taking his spouse and kids to heaven.” That same month, Sandvik allegedly posted the following.
My bride: We will be together in the Kingdom soon with 100% of your children. I have no need to see you while still on earth. You can trust me 100%.
Sandvik’s court-appointed defense attorney reportedly claimed that his client’s posts were “not true threats,” but Senechal stated the “significant evidence” of threats and mental illness presented by prosecutors was enough to justify the detention order.
As previously reported by Law&Crime, authorities claim that on September 4, a Fargo police detective reported Sandvik for making “concerning online posts regarding violence” aimed at Trump and local police officers.
According to a probable cause document, one post appeared to threaten local police, while another indicated that a bomb was being assembled. Investigators received a complaint about the posts from a witness who claimed to know Sandvik and pointed out his residence.
Officers spoke with Sandvik on September 17, primarily about cinder blocks and liquid-filled bottles found at the camper he stayed in on his mother’s property. No wires were visible coming from the bottles. It was at this point that investigators discovered the suspect had posted “more concerning” statements about Trump and FBI Director Kash Patel.
“Secret Service.” “It is no secret I am your biggest threat; you better get here fast,” read one post in all caps, with another asking for the FBI, CIA, and foreign intelligence services to “come get me!”
“Trump, Can You Feel My Footsteps Coming?” Another adds, “Death is now marching toward the failed and weak Donald Trump!” Sandvik also allegedly wrote, “Patel, IM WAITING FOR YOU.”
According to police, at least one of the messages linked a website, the URL of which included the suspect’s last name. The site, which was later financially linked to Sandvik, had further “concerning posts of violence,” according to investigators.
“Law enforcement, U.S. Military and National Guard STAY HOME!” read one, followed by the words, “You will die an angel’s death if you attempt to protect Donald Trump.” Another mocked the death of late activist Charlie Kirk.
Additional postings were investigated. One said, “Trump is weak and will be annihilated soon,” and another said, “Trump’s Blood Judgment Is Here! … You will soon lose your insides as they are dragged from your body and your limbs are ripped out of their sockets.”
After interviewing with witnesses, officials established that Sandvik constructed the posts and painted Airsoft weapons black to “appear as realistic as possible.”
Sandvik is set to appear in court for a preliminary hearing on November 20, according to records.
