Columbia, South Carolina, August 28, 2025
News Summary
Travis Lang, a 47-year-old former nuclear inspector, has been declared incompetent to stand trial due to a delusional disorder. This ruling stems from his threats against various U.S. presidents and local officials. A psychologist testified that Lang’s delusions hinder his understanding of legal proceedings. He has a history of mental health issues and may require hospitalization for treatment. The judge has yet to finalize the decision regarding Lang’s mental competency and future treatment.
Columbia, South Carolina – A federal court hearing has declared Travis Lang, a 47-year-old former nuclear inspector, incompetent to stand trial for making threats against multiple presidents and local officials. The hearing, held on August 27, 2025, involved expert testimony from psychologist Lauren Schumacher, who asserted that Lang is currently “too delusional to stand trial” and requires mental health treatment before any legal proceedings can continue.
Lang, who resides in Irmo, South Carolina, was arrested in March for threatening to kill both President Donald Trump and former President Joe Biden, as well as their vice presidents and various elected officials in South Carolina. These threats were reportedly disseminated through direct messages and social media posts.
During her assessment, psychologist Schumacher diagnosed Lang with a delusional disorder after conducting seven formal meetings with him. She emphasized that Lang’s delusions severely hinder his understanding of the legal process and his ability to provide adequate assistance to his defense attorneys. The psychologist outlined Lang’s belief that he is being persecuted by government officials due to his supposed insider knowledge of conspiracies related to a nuclear power plant where he was once employed.
Lang’s claims included having direct communications with President Biden and alleging that various public officials are involved in cover-ups linked to treason and murder. Despite the gravity of his assertions, Schumacher noted a lack of evidence supporting Lang’s conspiratorial beliefs. His threats reportedly included statements about executing both President Biden and President Trump for “abuse and misuse of office.”
As part of the proceedings, investigators revealed that Lang deleted several threatening posts prior to the court hearing. Although Schumacher indicated that Lang possesses a good theoretical understanding of the legal system, he struggles to apply this knowledge within the context of his own situation due to his entrenched conspiracy theories.
Lang has a history of mental health issues, including a previous involuntary hospitalization in 2021, during which he was prescribed a mental health medication. However, he currently refuses to take any medication, citing that it impedes his abilities and makes him feel “slowed down.” His public defender, Jeremy Thompson, highlighted that Lang believes he is competent to stand trial, despite expert opinions to the contrary. If adjudicated incompetent, a court ruling may be needed to mandate treatment and medication for him.
The presiding judge, Currie, has yet to reach a final decision on Lang’s competency. Future recommendations may include further evaluations and treatment at a psychiatric hospital.
Background Context
The case has raised concerns about the intersection between mental health and the criminal justice system. The determination of a defendant’s competency to stand trial is a crucial step in ensuring fair legal proceedings. In Lang’s situation, the focus remains heavily on the necessity of mental health intervention, as his ongoing delusions complicate his legal standing. Legal experts often grapple with cases involving mentally ill defendants, as the failed understanding of their actions can lead to inadequate representation and unfair judicial outcomes.
FAQ
What are the charges against Travis Lang?
Travis Lang faces charges for threatening to kill President Donald Trump, former President Joe Biden, their vice presidents, and several South Carolina elected officials through social media posts and direct messages.
Why was Lang declared incompetent to stand trial?
Lang was declared incompetent to stand trial due to a delusional disorder that affects his ability to understand the legal process and assist his defense counsel properly.
What mental health treatment is Lang expected to receive?
Lang may be referred for further evaluations and treatment at a psychiatric hospital, and there may be a court order for medication, should he continue to be deemed incompetent.
Key Features of the Case
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Charges | Threatening to kill multiple presidents and local officials |
| Competency Status | Declared incompetent to stand trial |
| Mental Health Diagnosis | Delusional disorder |
| Current Location | Lexington County Detention Center |
| Proposed Treatment | Further psychiatric evaluation and possible hospitalization |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- KRCG TV: Trial of Columbia Woman Accused of Killing Man Delayed
- KOMU: Suspect in Homicide Arson to Undergo Mental Examination
- SC Daily Gazette: SC Man Charged with Threatening to Kill Trump
- The State: Local Crime News
- Columbia Missourian: MU Counseling Center Launches Study
- Wikipedia: Mental Health
- Google Search: Mental Health Evaluation
- Google Scholar: Mental Health and Law
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mental Health
- Google News: Mental Health Trials
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.
