Man Threatens Trump Assassination, Posts Online Rant

A 32-year-old Pennsylvania man has been charged with threatening to assassinate President Donald Trump and other government officials, according to the Department of Justice. Shawn Monper, of Butler, Pennsylvania, was taken into custody and charged with making threats to assault and murder, federal authorities announced Friday.

The FBI reportedly received an emergency message regarding threatening posts made on YouTube by a user identifying as “Mr Satan.” Investigators determined the online activity originated from Monper’s residence.

The charges stem from a series of increasingly violent statements made online. Shortly after President Trump’s inauguration in January, Monper allegedly obtained a firearms permit and posted online about acquiring “several guns and been stocking up on ammo.”

On February 17th, Monper reportedly wrote that “we just need to start killing people, Trump, Elon, all the heads of agencies Trump appointed, and anyone who stands in the way,” referencing Elon Musk, a prominent advisor to the President. The post continued, framing the potential violence as a “American Revolution 2.0,” and claiming a majority sentiment against the current administration.

The most direct threat allegedly came on March 4th, in a YouTube video responding to Trump’s address to Congress. According to the DOJ, Monper stated he was “going to assassinate him myself.”

The location of Monper’s residence adds a chilling dimension to the case. Butler, Pennsylvania, was the site of a shooting during a Trump campaign rally last July, where a bullet grazed the President’s ear. One person was killed and three others injured in that incident.

Attorney General Pam Bondi stated the Department of Justice will “find, arrest, and prosecute” anyone making threats of assassination or mass violence “to the fullest extent of the law.”

This case underscores the escalating rhetoric and potential for real-world violence in the current political climate. While passionate disagreement is a cornerstone of democracy, the explicit threats made by Monper crossed a dangerous line. The swift action by the DOJ is appropriate, and it’s crucial that such threats are taken seriously and addressed decisively to protect both public officials and the integrity of the democratic process. The fact that this individual allegedly armed himself after the election and specifically targeted prominent figures demonstrates a clear intent to act on these violent impulses.