State College woman arrested for threatening to shoot Trump at Penn State rally, cops say

CENTRE COUNTY, Pa. (WJAC) — A State College woman is behind bars after threatening to shoot former President Donald Trump ahead of his rally at Penn State University Saturday, authorities reported.

According to charging documents, 74-year-old Paul Gavenonis faces misdemeanor terroristic threats and disorderly conduct.

Officers with the Penn State University Police Department said they were called Friday by a staff member at the PSU Transportation Office.

According to police, Gavenonis was trying to buy a parking pass and while she was in the process, began talking about former President Trump's planned rally at the Bryce Jordan Center.

Gavenonis reportedly described climbing to the top of a tall building and said, "You can't take a gun in or the students will see it."

Police said witnesses told them Gavenonis then made a "racking gun motion" with her hands before stating "I hate Donald Trump. I'd like to shoot that guy."

They added a staff member was concerned after just selling the man a parking pass, which could potentially put her in close proximity to the former President, so the staff member called the police.

Police and United States Secret Service officials met with Gavenonis at the Pattee Library where they asked her about the concerning statements she made.

Gavenonis reportedly laughed about "tomorrow, those guys" and "maybe he'll do it then!"

Gavenonis allegedly went on to say "Look at me, I'm not going to shoot anybody!"

Investigators said Gavenonis eventually admitted to "probably" making the threats and as she was being placed into the police cruiser, uttered, "frankly I hope somebody would get him."

During an interview with Secret Service, investigators said Gavenonis mentioned having a rifle in her home.

Gavenonis is now being held in the Centre County Prison. Her bail has been denied.