In a recent development in Missouri, an individual named Justin White, aged 36, is facing federal charges for allegedly making violent threats against former President Donald Trump, several Republican officials, and law enforcement officers on social media platforms.
According to court documents from the Missouri Western District Court, White is accused of spreading numerous statements inciting harm towards Trump, Republican officials, and the police on social media platforms like TikTok and Facebook from late July to August.
The court received the formal complaint on August 30th, which detailed White’s repeated assertions that he would resort to violence if Republicans did not adhere to what he deemed fair election standards.
For instance, in a TikTok video titled “This is a message to Donald Trump and Republicans. If you are unfair…,” posted on July 31st, White stated, “This is for every Republican. If you are unfair in your voting, I will show up with a gun, I guarantee you that. I will show you real f***ing violence, I am not afraid to kill you or the f***ing police. So, if you want to play dirty this 2024 election year, remember, we will act here. If you Republicans are unfair, there will be guns and violence this year.”
These statements were reported to the Springfield Police Department in Missouri for potential violations of federal law, and the information was consequently forwarded to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for investigation. Multiple FBI departments are currently involved in the probe.
Subsequently, law enforcement officers revealed that more threatening posts were found on White’s Facebook page.
On August 22nd, White shared a photo of firearms and ammunition in a post, claiming that any approaching police near his residence would face violent repercussions. The court complaint described these posts as containing explicit threats of “killing” police and “beating police to the point of death.”
Acting on the content of this post, FBI executed a search warrant at White’s residence on August 29th, leading to the discovery of firearms, ammunition, and additional evidence supporting the accusations. During subsequent arrest and interrogation, White allegedly admitted to making these threatening posts, expressing regret and attributing the content to anger.
Authorities revealed that White recounted an experience of engaging in a gun battle with a police officer when he was 16 or 17 years old, claiming victory because the officer had fired at him first. He also cited this incident and videos allegedly depicting police engaging in “aggressive or violent behavior” towards civilians as factors fueling his intense animosity towards law enforcement.
Currently detained, White could face a maximum of five years in prison and/or a $250,000 fine if convicted. A preliminary hearing and detention hearing are scheduled for September 5th.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office declined to provide additional comments. As of the time of publication, White’s defense attorney had not responded to requests for comment from the Epoch Times.