[Warning sign for trespassing; Photo credit: Pexels]

On June 20, 2025, Trenton Abston, 25, was arrested on charges of trespassing into the Memphis mayor’s house with an attempt to kidnap him.

Abston was seen in surveillance footage late Sunday heading toward the mayor’s home.

Multiple weapons including a taser, gloves, rope, and duct tape were found in his car at the time of his arrest.

It’s been reported that the perpetrator walked up to the door, knocked with gloves on with his pockets full, in addition to displaying nervous behavior.

The mayor, Paul Young, was alarmed by this as it had been less than 48 hours since two state lawmakers were shot dead and two others were injured in Minnesota, so he decided to stay precautionary by not opening the door.

Upon inquiry, Abston did agree that he looked up the address to Young’s house, wanting a confrontation about a crime in Memphis, according to WHBQ. 

Young also stated that he receives threats online quite often, noting the seriousness of political debates.

CNN reported that Abston was charged with attempted kidnapping, stalking, and felony criminal trespass and is now held at the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office jail.

Authorities stated that they are working to secure legal representation for him.

Young connected this incident to “angry online rhetoric” as threats toward politicians have recently increased, raising concern over the security of public officials.

He is scheduled to appear in court on Friday, June 27.

This incident reflects a larger trend in the United States: the increasing number of threats against public figures.

Just in 2024 alone, a total of 9,474 direct threats were made to lawmakers, their families, and staff in the US.

This was another year of increase in the numbers as 7,501 were recorded in 2022, 8,008 in 2023, and the number is expected to increase even more this year according to the United States Capitol Police. 

The upward trend is expected to continue in 2025.

The attempted kidnapping sparked concern among younger citizens, many of whom took to social media and community forums to share their thoughts. 

A high school student from the U.S. wrote, “I feel like the entire world is becoming more unstable. This incident shows that political disputes are no longer just arguments, but real threats.”

A college student echoed this concern, saying, “It’s scary to think how easily something worse could’ve happened. I’m grateful no one was hurt, but this demonstrates we need to take threats like these seriously.”

Both responses reflect a growing anxiety about rising political tension and the potential for violence. 

Young voices in particular emphasized the urgency of finding solutions before more harm is done.

With this incident adding to concerns about threats towards lawmakers, Abston is currently scheduled to appear in court on Friday.