A 65-year-old man from Sand Lake, Michigan, was facing a county district judge in a virtual arraignment on Monday for making threats outside a Trump rally in Walker, Michigan, on Friday.
Police had warned the public that entry would be denied without a ticket, and when Steven William Nauta approached a traffic vehicle point, he was denied access. Once denied, Nauta stopped and showed police a bottle, claiming it was a “C4” explosive and the “real deal.” He then sped past the barrier and drove toward the event venue. When Nauta did stop in a neighboring business, he removed bags of fertilizer from his vehicle and threw them on the ground “to make it appear they were explosives,” according to the affidavit.
Nauta was ordered to the ground, but again failed to comply with the police. He was then arrested and eventually charged with four felonies: making a false threat of terrorism; possession of bombs with unlawful intent; fleeing a police officer; and assaulting, resisting or obstructing a police officer.
The false threat of terrorism carries the highest penalty of 20 years in prison and/or a $20,000 fine.
Nauta’s virtual court appearance was unusual, as he appeared from his holding cell.
Nauta stood against the door, rubbing his head across the glass while looking down. He made peace signs with his hands, and then gave the judge the middle finger salute.
When the judge set Nauta’s bond at $1 million, he told the judge he preferred to be incarcerated, saying, “It’s a very cruel world out there.” By the end of the proceeding, Nauta had removed his shirt.
