A Cincinnati man has been charged with making chilling threats against federal officials, including the Secretary of Homeland Security, on social media.
According to WCPO, A local from Oakley, Anthony Kelly, was arrested after posting violent threats on Bluesky, targeting high-ranking officials and Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents between June 26 and July 17, 2025, leading to a swift law enforcement response and his ongoing detention.
Starting in late June, Kelly took to his public Bluesky account under the handle @slabhogg1.bsky.social to vent hostility toward federal authorities. His posts weren’t just angry rants; they escalated into explicit threats of violence. It’s the kind of digital recklessness that makes you wonder if folks think the internet is a consequence-free zone.
On July 11, Kelly posted a message seemingly thanking the acting director of ICE for supposedly giving “permission to shoot” agents, whom he branded with a derogatory term. If that’s not a red flag, what is? This isn’t just venting—it’s a public call to violence that no one can ignore.
Two days later, on July 13, Kelly upped the ante, claiming he was buying a shotgun specifically for Secretary Kristi Noem while hurling insults her way. Such personal and direct threats against a federal official aren’t just disturbing—they’re a stark reminder of how heated rhetoric can spiral into something far uglier.
By July 15, Kelly was at it again, posting that ICE agents “don’t deserve anything” but violence and likening them to “rabid dogs.” That kind of language doesn’t just cross a line; it obliterates it. While frustration with government policies is understandable, this is no way to express it.
On the same day, the Texas Fusion Center, a hub for homeland security coordination, spotted Kelly’s menacing posts through proactive monitoring. It’s a relief to know that agencies are keeping an eye on these platforms, especially when threats are this blatant.
By July 17, Kelly’s posts grew even darker, declaring he was “shooting for the kill” and warning that anyone coming for him would be shot. This isn’t just bravado—it’s a direct challenge to law and order. How does someone think they can post this and not face consequences?
Luckily, Kelly’s posts gave law enforcement the breadcrumbs they needed, including personal details like his birth date and location in Cincinnati. Matching his driver’s license photo with images from his account, officials confirmed his identity. It’s almost ironic how oversharing online can backfire so spectacularly.
After alerting the FBI, ICE, and Ohio’s terrorism analysis center, authorities zeroed in on Kelly using his address and vehicle registration, even conducting surveillance. They weren’t messing around, and rightly so. Threats like these demand a serious response, not a slap on the wrist.
On July 19, a search warrant was executed at Kelly’s residence, where officials discovered a weapon and ammunition. That’s not just talk anymore—it’s evidence of potential intent. Finding hardware to match the threats paints a grim picture of what might have been.
After the search, Kelly didn’t even try to backpedal, admitting to agents that he made the threats and showing no remorse for his actions. When someone doubles down like that, it’s hard to see this as a mere lapse in judgment. It feels more like a deliberate stand, however misguided.
Following his arrest, a federal judge ordered Kelly to remain detained, a decision that underscores the gravity of his actions. As Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stated on X, “These threats will not be tolerated.” Her words are a firm reminder that freedom of speech doesn’t mean freedom from accountability.
McLaughlin’s follow-up that offenders “will be arrested and prosecuted” to the fullest extent isn’t just tough talk—it’s a necessary stance. When public safety is at stake, there’s no room for leniency. It’s a message that needs to resonate, especially in an era where online vitriol too often spills into real-world danger.
This case is a wake-up call about the fine line between expressing dissent and inciting harm, especially when it targets those tasked with protecting our borders and security. While many Americans share concerns about federal overreach or immigration policies, resorting to violent threats isn’t the answer—it’s a dead end. Let’s hope this serves as a cautionary tale for others tempted to cross that line.
