In a chilling reminder of how heated political discourse can cross dangerous lines, a young man from Pennsylvania faces federal charges for allegedly threatening to harm then-President-elect Donald Trump.
Jacob Buckley, a 22-year-old from Port Matilda, Pennsylvania, was charged by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania after posting threatening messages on social media, as announced by the Justice Department on a recent Wednesday, Fox News reported.
Using the TikTok handle "Jacob_buckley," Buckley allegedly posted his menacing intent on January 16, 2025, just days before Trump’s inauguration at the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2025. The U.S. Secret Service took swift action, conducting the investigation that led to these serious charges. If convicted, Buckley could face up to five years in prison, supervised release, fines, and additional penalties.
“I’m going to kill Trump,” Buckley allegedly wrote on TikTok. Such a blatant statement isn’t just reckless—it’s a direct challenge to the safety of a public figure who represents millions of Americans. While emotions can run high in political debates, this kind of rhetoric is a bridge too far, even for those frustrated with the state of the nation.
“Bro, we're going into a literal oligarchy in 4 days and I'm going to kill Trump,” read another of Buckley’s posts. Let’s unpack that: the hyperbole of “oligarchy” might resonate with some disillusioned folks, but coupling it with a violent threat undermines any legitimate critique. It’s the kind of overreach that turns a grievance into a crime.
“I hate MAGA republicans, bro on god, I’ll kill all of them,” Buckley allegedly added. While it’s clear he’s angry, this blanket hostility toward an entire group of voters—many of whom simply want secure borders and economic stability—does nothing to foster dialogue. It’s a stark example of how social media can amplify division instead of understanding.
The charges against Buckley, filed as criminal information, specifically cite threats against Trump in his capacity as President-elect. This isn’t a minor infraction; it’s a federal offense that underscores the gravity of targeting elected officials, no matter one’s political stance.
An attorney for Buckley declined to comment when approached by Fox News Digital on a recent Wednesday, leaving the public to wonder about the defense’s perspective. Silence might be strategic, but it also leaves a vacuum where speculation can grow.
In a separate but related incident, a 37-year-old Rhode Island man, Carl Montague, was charged in early July 2025 for allegedly making threats against Trump and several administration members. Montague’s posts on Truth Social, dated June 27, 2025, targeted not only Trump but also Attorney General Pam Bondi and White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller.
Montague faces charges including threats against the president, interstate threats, and intent to harm U.S. officials. The FBI noted in a criminal complaint that Montague lacked weapons or concrete plans to act on his words, which offers some relief but doesn’t diminish the seriousness of his actions.
These incidents—Buckley’s and Montague’s—point to a troubling undercurrent of hostility in today’s political climate. While the progressive agenda often pushes for tolerance, the irony isn’t lost when dissent against conservative figures like Trump spirals into threats of violence. It’s a double standard that deserves scrutiny.
Trump, for his part, was sworn in as President on January 20, 2025, marking the official start of his term amidst these unsettling events. On August 5, 2025, he was seen delivering remarks after signing an executive order related to the LA 2028 Summer Olympic Games, a reminder of the broader duties he shoulders. Even as threats loom, the business of leading a nation continues.
The right to free speech is a cornerstone of American values, cherished by conservatives and liberals alike, but it’s not a blank check for violence or intimidation. Cases like Buckley’s test the line between venting frustration and inciting harm, and the courts must navigate this with precision.
For supporters of Trump and the broader MAGA movement, these threats are a sobering reminder of the personal risks faced by those who stand for traditional values and national sovereignty. Yet, it’s also a moment to reflect on how to engage critics without fueling more resentment. Healing divisions start with rejecting hate from all sides.
Ultimately, the charges against Buckley and Montague serve as a cautionary tale about the power of words in a polarized era. While the left often lectures on civility, conservatives must also lead by example, advocating for policy debates over personal attacks. Let’s hope the legal system sends a clear message: threats have no place in a republic built on ideas, not violence.
