Irmo, August 30, 2025

News Summary

A federal judge has determined that Travis Lang, a former nuclear inspector from Irmo, is not competent to stand trial for making threats against multiple U.S. presidents. Diagnosed with a delusional disorder, Lang believes the government is sabotaging his presidential aspirations. His history of threats spans several years, primarily on social media. With his refusal to engage in psychiatric treatment, a future hearing may compel him to take medication to address his mental health issues. The case raises important questions regarding mental health’s role within the legal system.

Irmo

A federal judge has ruled that Travis Lang, a 49-year-old former nuclear inspector from Irmo, is not competent to stand trial for charges stemming from threats he made against several U.S. presidents, including Donald Trump and Joe Biden. This decision came after a detailed court hearing where a psychologist evaluated Lang’s mental fitness for trial.

Lang was arrested in March 2023, following allegations that he threatened President Trump shortly before his arrest. Authorities revealed that Lang had a troubling history of making threats against politicians from both major political parties, which he had been doing since at least 2020. His threats were primarily communicated via direct messages on Facebook and various social media posts.

Despite Lang’s denials, the ruling was influenced by a diagnosis from psychologist Lauren Schumacher, who identified Lang as suffering from a delusional disorder. This disorder manifests in Lang’s belief that the federal government is working against him to derail his aspirations of running for president. Lang had filed as a candidate for the 2024 presidential election but failed to submit the necessary fees to appear on the ballot in South Carolina.

During the assessment, it was noted that Lang claimed to have invested $6,000 in support of his campaign, part of which included $2,500 of his own money. Schumacher further testified that while Lang demonstrated an understanding of legal terminology, he struggled to connect it to his own situation due to his persistent delusions regarding a conspiracy involving his lawyers and the presiding judge.

Schumacher highlighted an additional aspect of Lang’s delusions surrounding his previous employment at the V.C. Summer nuclear power plant, claiming that he possesses secret knowledge related to his work there. This raises concerns about Lang’s overall ability to navigate the legal system effectively.

Importantly, while many individuals diagnosed with similar delusional disorders can achieve competency through appropriate medication, Lang has shown an unwillingness to participate in psychiatric treatment. As a result, the next steps in this legal case could involve a hearing to determine if he can be compelled to take medication for his mental health issues.

Under federal law, making threats against the president is a serious crime, subject to significant penalties, potentially leading to imprisonment if convicted. The implications of this case extend beyond Lang’s immediate charges, as it raises broader concerns about mental health and the legal system’s ability to address such issues effectively.

Background Context

The decision to declare an individual incompetent to stand trial can significantly impact the judicial process, particularly in cases involving threats against public officials. Lang’s case is one of several instances where mental health plays a crucial role within legal contexts, highlighting the need for careful assessment and intervention.

Federal law prohibits any threats against the president and other high-ranking officials, reflecting the severity and societal concern surrounding such actions. This case underscores the intersection of mental health and the legal system and raises important questions about how best to safeguard public officials while also addressing the needs of individuals with severe psychological conditions.

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HERE Resources

Former Nuclear Inspector Declared Incompetent for Trial

Additional Resources

• SC Daily Gazette
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Criminal Law
• The State
• Google Search: Mental Health and Criminal Justice
• WLTX
• Google Scholar: Mental Competency Stand Trial
• QC News
• Google News: Mental Health in Criminal Law

Author: STAFF HERE IRMO

The IRMO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIrmo.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Irmo, Lexington and Richland Counties, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Irmo Okra Strut Festival, Harbison Community Events, and local sports tournaments at the Palmetto Health Credit Union Foundation Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission and the Lexington Chamber and Visitors Center, plus leading businesses in retail and healthcare that power the local economy such as Village at Sandhill and Lexington Medical Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.