BUTLER, PA — A Butler man was arrested Tuesday after federal authorities charged him with making online threats to assassinate former President Donald J. Trump and other government officials, including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, according to an announcement Friday by the Department of Justice.
Key Points
- Shawn Monper, 32, was arrested for threats to kill Donald Trump, ICE agents, and other officials.
- FBI investigation tied threatening YouTube posts to Monper’s residence.
- Monper faces a detention hearing on April 14 in federal court.
Online threats posted under alias “Mr Satan”
Shawn Monper, 32, was identified as the individual behind a series of threatening posts made under the YouTube alias “Mr Satan,” federal officials said. The FBI’s National Threat Operations Section launched an investigation after receiving an emergency tip on April 8 about threats made between January 15 and April 5.
According to the criminal complaint, Monper used the account to post statements such as “im going to assassinate him myself,” referring to Trump, and “ICE are terrorist people, we need to start killing them.” Other posts referenced accumulating weapons and ammunition since the 2024 election.
Authorities recover evidence and arrest suspect
Agents matched the online activity to Monper’s Butler residence and determined that he had obtained a firearms permit shortly after President Trump’s return to office. Monper had posted, “I have bought several guns and been stocking up on ammo since Trump got in office,” according to the affidavit.
The FBI, with support from the Butler Township Police Department, arrested Monper on April 9. He was charged with making threats to assault and murder the former president and other federal officials.
Justice Department responds to threats
Attorney General Pamela Bondi praised the response from law enforcement. “I want to applaud the outstanding and courageous investigative work of the FBI and the Butler Township Police Department,” she said, adding, “This Department of Justice will find, arrest, and prosecute the suspect to the fullest extent of the law.”
Acting U.S. Attorney Troy Rivetti for the Western District of Pennsylvania joined Bondi in announcing the charges.
Monper is currently in federal custody. A preliminary and detention hearing is scheduled for April 14 at 1:00 p.m.