Jonathan Stone, a former police officer and the county campaign chair for Donald Trump in New Hampshire, was fired from his job after threatening violence against his colleagues, department chief, and the chief’s wife. Stone had been suspended over a relationship with a high school girl, leading to his threatening remarks. Stone, who presented Trump with an AR-15 rifle in 2016 and has remained a supporter since, was implicated in an internal affairs investigation that recommended his removal from office. Stone did not respond to requests for comment on the matter.
Trump’s campaign chair in New Hampshire, Stephen Stepanek, claimed to have been unaware of Stone’s background until recent news reports, and stated that his future with the campaign had not yet been determined. The campaign leadership at Trump’s South Florida country club is expected to make decisions regarding Stone’s involvement. Stone was reported to have emerged as a committed Trump supporter since their encounter in 2016, and was later named as one of Trump’s county and city chairs in New Hampshire in 2022.
The internal affairs investigation ordered the release of documents from a 2006 inquiry into allegations against Stone for his involvement with a 16-year-old high school girl. The investigation found that Stone had expressed violent intentions towards his colleagues and department chief, including threats of a shooting spree and rape. Stone was ultimately suspended by the department and ordered not to contact the girl. The investigators recommended his removal from office due to the severity of his threats and conduct.
Trump, who lost New Hampshire in both the 2016 and 2020 elections, won the state’s primary in 2023, paving the way for his third Republican presidential nomination. Trump faces multiple criminal prosecutions, including charges related to the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot and his attempts to overturn the election results. A federal indictment against Trump could go to trial soon, pending a Supreme Court ruling on his claim of immunity. Additionally, a New York state prosecution on charges of falsifying business records and a federal prosecution on withholding White House documents are ongoing.
Stone’s gift of an AR-15 rifle to Trump in 2016 raised questions about the fate of the weapon after the internal affairs investigation. Stone had inscribed the rifle with the numbers “1-4-5,” indicating Trump as his choice for the 45th president. Despite the controversies surrounding Stone, Trump praised him during a rally in Claremont, New Hampshire, and named him as one of his campaign chairs for the state. Stone’s unclear status within the campaign leaves his future involvement uncertain as the leadership determines the next course of action.
In another legal issue, a New York jury found Trump civilly liable for sexual abuse against writer E. Jean Carroll, with the federal judge later clarifying Trump’s actions as rape. Trump continues to face legal challenges and criminal prosecutions, casting a shadow over his political endeavors. The implications of Stone’s disturbing threats and violent intentions have raised concerns about his position within Trump’s campaign and have prompted calls for his removal due to his troubling behavior and history.
