A Missouri man is facing federal charges for allegedly making violent threats against former President Donald Trump, Republicans, and law enforcement officers on social media. Justin Lee White, 36, is accused of using interstate communication to spread these threats in violation of federal law. The FBI led a multi-agency investigation into the matter after White posted multiple messages on platforms like TikTok and facebook threatening violence if his demands regarding electoral fairness were not met. One of White’s videos on TikTok stated that he would show up with a gun and engage in real violence if Republicans did not play fair with the votes. The Springfield Police Department received a tip about the video and forwarded it to the FBI.
Further examination revealed additional threatening posts on White’s facebook page. In one post, he included a photograph of a firearm and ammunition, warning that any police officer who approached his residence would be met with violence. Law enforcement obtained a search warrant for White’s residence where they recovered firearms, ammunition, and other evidence supporting the charges.
During his arrest and interview, White admitted to creating the threatening posts out of anger but expressed regret for his actions. He mentioned being involved in a shooting altercation with a police officer when he was younger as one reason for his hatred towards law enforcement.
White is currently in custody and could face up to five years in prison or a fine of $250,000 if convicted. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for September 5th.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Missouri declined to comment further at this time, while an attorney representing White did not respond to requests for comment from The Epoch Times before publication.