Pennsylvania Man Charged for Online Threats Against Trump and ICE Agents

A Pennsylvania man has been federally charged for making online threats to assassinate President Donald Trump and immigration agents, the U.S. Department of Justice announced Friday. Shawn Monper, 32, of Butler, Pennsylvania, was indicted Wednesday on four counts of threatening to murder a U.S. official with the intent to interfere in their official duties.

According to a criminal complaint filed in federal court in Pittsburgh, Monper posted multiple threats on YouTube between February and April 2025. The complaint cited disturbing messages that called for violence against Trump, tech billionaire Elon Musk, and various heads of federal agencies. “We just need to start killing people—Trump, Elon, all the heads of agencies Trump appointed, and anyone who stands in the way,” Monper allegedly wrote.

U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi emphasized the seriousness of the threats in a statement, saying the Justice Department will pursue the maximum punishment for individuals making such violent threats. “Whenever and wherever threats of assassination or mass violence occur, we will find, arrest, and prosecute the suspect to the fullest extent of the law,” she said.

Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has advised Trump in past efforts to reduce the size of the federal government.

Monper remains in U.S. custody, awaiting a detention hearing scheduled for Monday. He has not yet entered a plea. Notably, Monper is from Butler, the same town where Trump survived an assassination attempt in July 2024 while campaigning for the presidency.

This case underscores growing concerns about political violence and online threats targeting public officials. The Justice Department continues to monitor and respond to such threats with heightened urgency.