Butler Man Indicted for Threats Against Trump, Officials

Two men from different states have been indicted on federal charges for making online threats to kill or harm President Donald Trump and other government officials. Shawn Monper of Butler, Pennsylvania, was indicted on eight counts after allegedly posting threats on his YouTube channel, including threats against Trump, ICE officials, and Elon Musk. Authorities found Monper to be a danger to the community, seized three handguns at his arrest, and ordered him detained pending trial; his defense argues his online comments were not direct threats and had minimal audience. In a separate case, Richard James Spring of West Michigan was indicted for allegedly posting violent threats against Trump on TikTok and X shortly after Trump took office for a second term; he faces four counts and was released on bond. Both cases underscore the seriousness with which federal authorities treat threats against public officials, with possible penalties including lengthy prison terms and substantial fines. These incidents highlight ongoing law enforcement vigilance regarding threats made via social media platforms.