Florida Woman Faces Sentencing for Bomb Threats Against Trump Properties and Senator Rubio

Dynamite bundle with a clock timer on wooden floor.

A Florida woman faces sentencing for making bomb threats against Trump properties and Senator Rubio, leaving many questions about her fate and the ongoing investigations.

At a Glance

Martha Jane Schoenfeld, aged 60, threatened Trump International Golf Club and Senator Rubio.
Schoenfeld’s sentencing is set for December 3, with prosecutors recommending probation.
This marked Schoenfeld’s first arrest, though she pleaded guilty on September 4.
Routh’s second assassination attempt on Trump prompts a deeper investigation.
Trump and local authorities call for enhanced security measures.

Details of the Case

Martha Jane Schoenfeld, a 60-year-old part-time manicurist from Florida, is facing sentencing for making bomb threats against Trump International Golf Club, Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas, and Senator Marco Rubio. Federal prosecutors have proposed a lenient penalty, suggesting Schoenfeld serve one year of probation, primarily because this is her first arrest. The sentencing is scheduled for December 3 as the FBI and Secret Service continue their investigations.

On June 6, Schoenfeld left a voicemail for Trump’s Florida golf course stating, “There is a bomb I left on the site. Hopefully you will get everyone evacuated, except for Trump.” This message was linked back to Schoenfeld by the U.S. Secret Service, leading to her arrest. Investigators also discovered she had made a similar threat to the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas and Senator Marco Rubio. Initially, Schoenfeld denied the accusations but later admitted to making the calls.

A mom and part-time manicurist from Boca Raton left a voicemail in June saying she planted a bomb on Trump's West Palm Beach golf course in Florida. https://t.co/4mWqobzyFW

— St. Augustine Record (@staugrecord) September 17, 2024

Second Assassination Attempt on Trump

Days after Schoenfeld’s guilty plea, a second assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump occurred on September 15 at the same golf course. Ryan Wesley Routh, 58, was apprehended after the attempt. This prompted the FBI to launch a thorough investigation. Schoenfeld faces up to 10 years in prison, although prosecutors’ recommendation for probation reflects the unusual leniency for a first-time offender.

“There is a bomb I left on the site,” Schoenfeld said in the voicemail to Trump’s Florida golf course. “Hopefully you will get everyone evacuated, except for Trump,” according to the

The second attempt has raised concerns over federal law enforcement’s ability to protect high-profile figures. Rich Staropoli, a former Secret Service agent, criticized the federal law enforcement for failing to prevent the second assassination attempt. He stated they “absolutely dropped the ball,” indicating systemic issues in dealing with threats against political figures and locations.

Evacuate everyone 'except for Trump': Florida woman charged for bomb threats to golf course https://t.co/JvenF2B4JX

— The Palm Beach Post (@pbpost) August 6, 2024

Responses from Authorities and the Trump Campaign

Former President Trump has expressed deep concern over the repeated threats and has called for more manpower in his security detail. House Speaker Mike Johnson has also demanded increased Secret Service protection for Trump. Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida has ordered an independent investigation into Ryan Wesley Routh and is advocating for an attempted murder charge against him. DeSantis’s decisive actions signify the gravity of the threats and the need for stringent security measures.

“I think this undercurrent has now become the current. Right now it’s at the surface, and it’s rushing along. We’re in a white-water rapids,” said a commentator from the Boston Globe, emphasizing the escalating tensions and threats in the current political climate.

Meanwhile, the House task force investigating the July shooting of Trump is now expanding its inquiry to include the recent assassination attempt in Florida. This comprehensive investigation may uncover more details and help prevent such threats in the future. The situation remains fluid as law enforcement agencies strive to ensure the safety of political figures while dealing with an increasing number of threats.