CLAREMORE, Okla. — A 73-year-old man named Tommy "Rusty" Goodman has been taken by police on charges related to making terroristic threats against his neighbors, particularly targeting those who support Donald Trump. This unusual case has erupted tensions within the once-peaceful Claremore community, painting Goodman as both a local pariah and raising questions about free speech and violent rhetoric.
According to police reports, Goodman has been under scrutiny since alarming incidents began surfacing throughout 2023. Neighbors recounted stories of Goodman allegedly expressing violent intentions, including vague threats about killing individuals wearing Trump merchandise. Reports indicate he claimed to have been "on assignment" with plans to shoot those displaying Trump paraphernalia if he were to win the upcoming 2024 presidential election.
It was during investigations over the last month when multiple residents reached out to police, forming building concerns about Goodman’s erratic behavior. One neighbor, fearing for his safety, decided to move away rather than continue living next door to someone making such threats. This was not an isolated incident; fellow residents began reporting other matters where Goodman unleashed similar hatred directed at Trump's supporters.
Chief of Police Steve Cox highlighted terrifying specifics during recent court proceedings. He noted Goodman's comments threatened tangible atrocities if Trump were elected, stating, "I believe he had the means to commit these violent acts. His very specific threats were kind of timestamped." Goodman wasn't hesitant to vocalize his grievances against Trump, even branding him as "a national threat" alongside those who support him.
Police records indicate troubling encounters with Goodman at the Claremore bank, where he unnervingly claimed he would enter the establishment with armed intentions, threatening to bring an AK-47. Initially denying such statements, he later insisted during questioning, "Trump is a traitor," alluding to his disdain for the former president.
Still, the narrative surrounding Goodman's behavior thickened with each passing month. By January, neighbors conjured reports detailing chilling conversations where Goodman expressed not only dissatisfaction with Trump's supporters but also anxiety over the possibility of civil unrest. He warned of impending violence and ominously declared his thoughts on initiating significant backlash should any civil confrontation surface.
Recapping these stomach-turning events, reports reveal Goodman hadn't restricted his antagonism to mere conversations. Allegations accumulated against him, ranging from displaying Nazi insignia from his truck to discussing violent methods to deal with those he opposed. One unusually chilling account mentions him recounting plans to kill anyone wearing red hats—undeniably signaling the MAGA crowd—by calling it "insurrection day."
Despite the mounting evidence and the police's diligent efforts to safeguard the community, some locals have expressed differing views. Deborah Hanson, one neighbor, came to Goodman’s defense, downplaying the significance of his outlandish claims. "If he had Nazi stuff, he probably picked them up, not put them there," she remarked, asserting how protecting individuals with opposing views contributes to safety.
Yet Goodman’s record grew increasingly troublesome. He has been recorded sending anonymous threatening letters to not only local residents but also businesses and influential figures including celebrities and lawmakers. Police eventually apprehended Goodman at Reasor's grocery store after he once more ran afoul of the law, reportedly making another threat against identified Trump supporters.
Upon obtaining warrants, investigators dove deep, discovering significant caches of firearms and ammunition within Goodman’s residence. The location served as evidence of Goodman's potential for violence, contributing to charges of possession of firearms during the commission of felony, among others.
On November 7th, Goodman faced the Rogers County court for his series of alarming threats, as local authorities aim to maintain peace throughout Claremore. County district attorney Matt Ballard described the nature of the charges as monumental, calling the intimidation toward American citizens participating within democracy "absolutely unacceptable.”
Some have noted this will mark the first terrorism charge filed within Rogers County in recent memory. Goodman has been charged with several counts including intentional harassment directed at political figures, particularly those aligned with Trump’s ideals.
The case has captured widespread attention due to its unique circumstances surrounding the political climate, casting light on the controversial balance of preserving individual freedoms versus protecting communal safety as election fervor reigns high. Goodman now stands together with his defense team—firmly denying any claims of substantial threats, contending his remarks should be seen through the lens of free speech.
Goodman's hearing has opened lanes of discourse on whether his words posed real threats to the community, sparking debates on acceptable expressions versus tangible risk. The coming weeks promise intense scrutiny as the court sets for its next hearings, cementing what might become pivotal rulings concerning political discourse and freedom within the fabric of the American legal system.
Following his arraignment, Goodman is set to reappear on December 2, facing charges likely to dictate the overarching legal narrative concerning political tensions among communities leading up to the presidential election. While his defense may paint his words as mere expressions of frustration—residents are currently left contemplating their safety and how populist sentiments have shifted the boundaries of political interactions.
With each moment passing, the Claremore community remains on edge, grappling with the possibilities of either securing freedoms tied to self-expression or reinstilling peace among neighborhoods. Whether such threats only remain as hollow expressions or have genuine backings will loop as the case continues to unfurl. Authorities continue to encourage residents to remain vigilant as political climates often bear unforeseen results and consequences.
