NEW BOSTON (Texas) Friday saw the sentence of a Texas man who linked with the boogaloo movement and livestreamed threats against police officers. He was convicted of attempted murder.
A jury in Bowie County convicted Aaron Caleb Swenson, 38, of attempted capital murder. He also found that he had violated Texas Hate Crimes Act. The Texarkana Gazette reported. Swenson pleaded guilty on Wednesday to terroristic threats and evading arrest, just before testimony began before a judge.
According to the newspaper, he was sentenced by a jury on Friday to 50 years imprisonment for attempted murder, 20 for terroristic threat with a hate crime enhancement, and 10 years for evading capture. Kelly Crisp, the prosecutor, said that the terms would run concurrently.
A jury also assessed the maximum fines for each of these three charges, totaling $30,000.
Swenson claimed that he tried to kill police officers in April 2020.
Jonathan Price, a Texarkana police officer, testified that Swenson was parked on a street corner when he said that he had caught his prey and was turning around.
Price spoke of me and I understood that he was referring to me. I put the car into drive and drove off. I didn't want to be ambushed.
Spencer Price, Texas Crime Scene Analyst, testified in Texarkana about the two pistols and 12-gauge shotgun that were found in Swensons truck. Also, a handmade sword, and 156 rounds ammunition, which were all found in Swensons truck.
Gregory Harry, a Homeland Security Special Agent, testified that Swensons' plan was to kill a police officer and then to decapitate him with a sword.
According to police and the Tech Transparency Project (which tracks technology companies), Swenson was associated with the boogaloo, a group of gun enthusiasts who frequently support overthrowing the U.S. Government.
