Local and federal agencies tightened security around the Ocean Center after authorities investigated an online threat made before the presidential visit.
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — President Donald Trump’s campaign rally went forward Friday night at Daytona Beach’s Ocean Center after authorities arrested a local woman accused of posting a social media threat to shoot him, adding another security concern to an event already surrounded by road closures and heightened law enforcement.
The arrest became public hours before the rally as Volusia County authorities were preparing for thousands of attendees and a presidential security operation along the beachside. Sheriff Mike Chitwood said his office was coordinating with the U.S. Secret Service, FBI and other agencies to protect the event and the surrounding community. County officials had already warned residents to expect traffic delays, restricted access and security screening around the convention center.
Authorities identified the arrested woman as Allison Jeanne Albro, 21, of Daytona Beach. Investigators said she posted a message Thursday, Oct. 29, saying she planned to attend the rally and shoot Trump with a Glock. The post also included a photograph showing Albro in clown-style makeup, according to the sheriff’s office and published reports.
Members of the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office Domestic Security Unit and the Secret Service contacted Albro as investigators examined the threat. Chitwood said she told them the post was a joke, that she did not have access to the firearm mentioned in it or any other weapon and that she would never hurt anyone. Authorities nevertheless arrested her on allegations of making written threats to kill or do bodily injury and unlawful use of a two-way communications device.
WFTV reported that investigators conducted a consensual search of Albro’s residence and found no firearms, ammunition or related accessories. Authorities did not publicly announce evidence that she obtained a weapon, approached Trump or entered the Ocean Center in connection with the alleged threat. The criminal charges concern the communication itself and remain allegations subject to court proceedings.
The arrest came amid a wide security footprint for Trump’s visit. Volusia County officials said the Ocean Center would use security screening and advised attendees to arrive early because of anticipated crowds, traffic congestion and street closures. Chitwood had warned before the event that portions of the beachside peninsula would face significant restrictions as police prepared for the president’s arrival.
The Ocean Center scheduled doors to open at 3:30 p.m., with Trump’s remarks initially set for 7 p.m. The rally was part of his late campaign push before the Nov. 3 midterm elections and included appearances connected to Republican candidates in Florida. Law enforcement officials urged people who were not attending to avoid the immediate area because of the security measures and expected traffic.
Despite the earlier threat investigation, the presidential visit proceeded. A White House press pool report said Trump’s motorcade reached the Ocean Center shortly after 7 p.m. He took the stage at 7:57 p.m. and ended his remarks at about 9:32 p.m. The available official and news reports did not describe an attack at the venue connected to Albro or the social media post.
Chitwood said authorities would not dismiss threats against the president simply because a person later characterized the statement as a joke. He urged others not to post similar messages and said local officials were continuing to work with federal partners to keep the presidential visit and the broader Daytona Beach community safe.
By Saturday, the immediate security operation had concluded with Trump’s departure, while the criminal case against Albro remained unresolved. Authorities had not publicly announced that she possessed a weapon or carried out an attempt to harm the president, and the accusations against her had not been adjudicated in court.
Author note: Last updated October 31, 2026.