Donald Day Jr., an Arizona man linked to a 2022 attack in Australia that resulted in the deaths of two police officers, has been sentenced to 36 months in prison.
Background of the Case
FBI agents initially stated that Day incited the attack through messages sent to individuals in Queensland, Australia. The attack was carried out by Gareth Train, his brother Nathaniel Train and Nathaniel’s wife, Stacey Train, who ambushed four police officers responding to a missing person report. The Trains were subsequently killed by police.
Day was indicted by a grand jury in Arizona in 2024 on charges including possession of a firearm by a felon, making interstate threats, threatening FBI agents, and threatening an official from the World Health Organization.
Day’s Statements and the Prosecution’s Response
Investigators allege Day used online platforms, including BitChute and YouTube, to post comments that incited violence in Australia, praising the Trains and offering support after the murders. Day told the court he was exercising his “right as an American” to “expose evil” and claimed he did not intend for the Trains to kill the officers.
Prosecutors countered that Day’s statements to the court contradicted previous messages to the Trains, including one in which he stated that police only understand the threat of violence. Assistant U.S. Attorney Abbie Broughton stated Day “found the Trains all the way in Australia… who shared that same animus [for law enforcement].”
Sentencing and Custodial Issues
Day appeared in court in a wheelchair, stating he had been attacked while in custody. Judge John Tuchi acknowledged the assault and noted Day’s health as a factor in sentencing.
Day will receive credit for 27 months already served and could be released in 30 months if awarded good-time credit. He will then be subject to three years of supervised release.
Frequently Asked Questions
What charges was Donald Day Jr. Facing?
Day was indicted on charges of possession of a firearm by a felon, making interstate threats, threatening FBI agents, and threatening an official from the World Health Organization.
What did the Australian coronial inquest find regarding the Trains’ actions?
The inquest found that the Trains were acting “defensively within their delusional framework to defend themselves and their property from what they regarded was an evil advance on them.”
What is the potential timeline for Donald Day Jr.’s release?
Day could be released from custody in 30 months if awarded good-time credit, after having already served 27 months of his 36-month sentence. He will then be under supervised release for three years.
As Day begins his sentence, what role will online rhetoric and its potential to inspire violence continue to play in legal and security considerations?
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