Former Coast Guard officer arrested for threatening Trump

In the United States, a former Coast Guard lieutenant, Peter Andrew Stinson, was taken into custody after allegedly making repeated threats to assassinate President Donald Trump. Stinson, who served in the Coast Guard from 1988 until 2021 and had extensive training in firearms, reportedly made threatening posts on social media dating back to 2020 and continuing into 2025. These posts included graphic references about using a rifle, knives, and poison against Trump, as well as offers to raise money for a 'contract hit.' During the course of the investigation, authorities discovered a pattern in Stinson's threats, which included calls for violent actions against Trump, whom he frequently referred to by derogatory nicknames. The threats escalated particularly as Trump initiated his 2024 presidential campaign. Notably, after an attempted assassination on Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, Stinson made social media comments related to the incident that raised alarms among federal investigators. Stinson's online activity indicates he had identified himself as a member of the Antifa movement, which is known for engaging in direct action against perceived fascist elements in society. The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted an in-depth investigation into Stinson's online behavior, which resulted in a 19-page affidavit detailing the multiple instances of his threatening messages. Some messages were blatant, stating that he would 'pull the trigger' if given the chance, while others suggested he lacked the ability to carry out such an act himself but was willing to support anyone who could. Arrested on Monday, Stinson was ordered to remain detained pending further hearings, underlining the seriousness of the threats made against a sitting president. Threats against politicians, particularly the president, have become alarmingly common in recent years. Such threats can lead to severe consequences, including lengthy prison sentences if convicted. Stinson faces significant legal challenges ahead; federal laws are quite firm regarding threats against the executive office. This incident highlights the rising trend of threatening rhetoric in American politics, raising concerns about political violence in an increasingly polarized environment.