DOJO – A New Mexico man has been sentenced to nearly 10 months in federal prison after admitting to posting a series of violent threats against President Donald Trump across multiple social media platforms, according to federal prosecutors. The case highlights growing concerns about online extremism and the consequences of threatening a sitting U.S. president.
What Happened?
Federal officials say 38-year-old Tyler Leveque of Albuquerque used TikTok, X and Facebook to issue explicit threats directed at President Trump, triggering a swift federal investigation. The U.S. Secret Service and the FBI launched the probe after Leveque’s posts escalated over several days in early January 2025 — a timeline that concerned investigators because the threats were direct and repeated.
Prosecutors said the threats began on January 2, when Leveque posted a TikTok video warning viewers that they should be “scared,” adding that he was willing to die. He ended the video with the phrase “Run, run.”
Escalation on Social Media
The threats intensified on January 3, when Leveque posted directly at Trump on X, writing that he had his “eyes” on the president and referencing Trump’s upcoming rally. In another post, he issued warnings to high-profile public figures and business leaders, telling them it was “too late” and signaling a confrontation on January 19.
Leveque also replied “Die” to one of Trump’s posts, according to court filings.
By January 4, he claimed on Facebook that he had “just bought” a gun and encouraged others to “march” on state offices. Investigators later confirmed he had initiated an online firearm purchase but had not yet completed the transaction or taken possession of the weapon.
How Authorities Responded
Agents from both the Secret Service and the FBI confronted Leveque at his Albuquerque home on January 6, where they learned more about his attempted gun purchase and reviewed the threatening content.
Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison emphasized that threatening violence against public officials is a serious federal crime.
He warned that these cases carry “lifelong consequences,” including prison time, loss of firearm rights, and a permanent felony record.
Secret Service officials added that threatening speech is not protected by the First Amendment when it targets a specific person.
Sentencing and Aftermath
Leveque pleaded guilty to making threats against the President and successors to the presidency. He was sentenced to roughly 10 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release.
FBI officials said the case serves as a warning: online anonymity does not shield individuals from accountability.
Stay Updated
👉 Subscribe to DOJO: https://dojonewsnetwork.com/join-the-dojo-news-network/
