Homeless Man Threatens Danbury Mayor with Guns in Angry Call, Police Report

A Homeless Man with a History of Threats and Firearms

In Danbury, Connecticut, a 54-year-old homeless man named Troy Kennard has become the center of attention after being charged with second-degree threatening for verbally threatening to kill Mayor Roberto Alves. According to an arrest report, Kennard made these threats during a phone call to City Hall last month. The incident has raised serious concerns about public safety and the potential risks associated with individuals who possess multiple firearms.

Kennard was initially held on a $50,000 bond. After pleading not guilty in state Superior Court, he was released from custody on July 21, under a promise to appear in court. He is scheduled to have another court appearance on July 30. Following his release, a police detail was assigned to protect the mayor, highlighting the severity of the situation.

Shaun McColgan, the security and access coordinator for City Hall, wrote a memo to Mayor Alves stating that this case is one of many reasons why a protective police detail should be assigned. McColgan, a former deputy police chief, noted that previous mayors had also received similar protection due to similar circumstances. Alves expressed confidence in the city's security, stating that he feels safe because of "Danbury’s finest."

The Incident That Led to the Charges

The incident began on June 4 when Kennard called a City Hall staffer and started ranting about issues with the homeless shelters, his grievances toward immigrants, and his dislike for the mayor. According to the arrest report, Kennard made several alarming statements, including, “You wonder why people do crazy things,” “We’re gonna go after you,” and “I can send my guys; you won’t have a mayor.”

A mayor's aide reported that Kennard’s comments left them feeling fearful for the mayor's safety and their own. The aide instructed the receptionist to stay behind locked doors and informed the security guard to prevent anyone from entering without prior approval. They then notified the mayor and his chief of staff, as well as the police.

Later that night, police found Kennard sitting in his black Volkswagen outside a homeless shelter. During the search, officers discovered 22 firearms in a storage unit, including 18 handguns, three rifles, and one shotgun. They also found numerous magazines, rounds of ammunition, two batons, a knife, and a slingshot. However, this did not account for all the weapons registered in Kennard’s name.

A Pattern of Concerning Behavior

Investigations revealed that Kennard has a history of concerning behavior, including not complying with legal orders, filing false complaints, and expressing sovereign ideology. In 2017, he declared that he does not follow the rules of the U.S. government or Constitution. In 2018, he was arrested for violating a protective order and refused to surrender his firearms, claiming they were sold or shipped out of the country.

In 2009, Kennard reportedly claimed to own numerous firearms and stated he could "easily use them on himself or anything else he wanted." Police also noted that Kennard may have a history of alcohol and marijuana use, which contributed to his isolation from family members and raised concerns about his mental stability.

Taking Threats Seriously

Mayor Alves acknowledged that the situation was more severe than usual. He emphasized the importance of taking threats seriously, especially when individuals have access to firearms. His aide’s instincts proved correct when Kennard was incarcerated and the extent of his firearm collection became known.

This case highlights the need for vigilance and proactive measures to ensure the safety of public officials and the community at large. It also underscores the importance of addressing the underlying issues that contribute to such incidents, including mental health concerns and the availability of firearms to individuals with a history of instability.