Boy threatens Bush

2006-03-29 14:45

Florence - A 13-year-old boy has been charged with threatening President George W Bush - who is scheduled to travel to nearby Cincinnati next week - in two emails sent to the mayor, say police.

Captain Linny Cloyd said that investigators didn't find anything in a search of the boy's home to make them think he was planning to carry out the alleged threats.

The teen was in the custody of his mother at their home on Tuesday. He faced one felony count of making a terrorist threat and was due to appear in Boone County family court within two weeks.

Cloyd said that the investigation began after mayor Diane Whalen received an anonymous email threatening Bush. A second email was also sent to Whalen.

FBI, Secret Service went to boy's home

Cloyd and Whalen refused to release the emails or give details of the threats.

Cloyd went to the teen's home on Monday night with agents from the FBI and Secret Service. He said the boy's parents consented to the search, during which a computer was seized.

Cloyd said: "He is extremely well-versed in the history of President Bush. In talking with him, you can tell this is a hot-button topic with him."

Police said the first email was also sent to the White House, vice-president Dick Cheney and the Pentagon.

Bush was scheduled to be across Ohio River on Monday to throw out the first pitch on opening day for the Cincinnati Reds.

- AP