Brooklyn, NY — A Brooklyn man faces federal charges after prosecutors say he repeatedly threatened to assassinate President Donald Trump, including messages promising to shoot the president at a future public event. The suspect allegedly admitted sending the threats when confronted by federal agents outside his residence.
Justin Christopher Moore, 53, was arrested and charged in the Eastern District of New York with knowingly and willfully threatening the life of the President of the United States, according to a federal criminal complaint.
Federal authorities allege Moore used the official White House website’s “Contact Us” page on May 24 to send a series of messages threatening Trump and expressing anger over policies he believed would reduce assistance for vulnerable Americans.
Threats Allegedly Detailed Future Attack
According to court documents, Moore allegedly warned Trump that he was planning to kill him during an upcoming public appearance.
“I am in the process of planning your execution,” Moore allegedly wrote in one message submitted through the White House website.
Prosecutors say Moore followed with additional threats, including statements that he would obtain a firearm and shoot the president.
The complaint alleges Moore sent multiple messages over a short period, each containing explicit threats and personal identifying information, including his name, address, email address, and phone number.
Key Points
• Federal prosecutors charged a Brooklyn man with threatening to kill President Donald Trump.
• Authorities say the suspect sent multiple death threats through the White House website.
• A federal judge ordered the defendant held pending trial after his arrest.
Agents Say Suspect Admitted Sending Messages
On May 25, federal agents traveled to Moore’s residence in Brooklyn after reviewing the alleged threats.
According to the complaint, agents found Moore walking outside and questioned him about the messages.
“We’re here because you made some threats online. You emailed some threats? Did you do that?” an agent asked, according to court filings.
Authorities say Moore responded, “Yeah, I did.”
Investigators further alleged that Moore admitted threatening Vice President JD Vance and numerous members of Congress.
Judge Orders Detention
Moore appeared in federal court on May 26, where a judge ordered him detained pending trial.
Court records indicate the judge found that Moore’s release would pose a serious danger to other people and the broader community.
The detention order also cited the strength of the government’s evidence, limited community ties, and a lack of stable employment as factors supporting continued detention.
According to prosecutors, Moore acknowledged during questioning that he understood it was illegal to make threats against public officials.
When asked whether he had planned the alleged threat against the president, Moore reportedly told agents, “I haven’t started the planning process yet.”
Mental Health History Raised in Court
During Moore’s court appearance, it was noted that he has a reported history of bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, according to reporting by the New York Daily News.
The federal complaint alleges the threats were motivated by Moore’s opposition to policies he believed would reduce subsidies and assistance programs. Prosecutors say some of the messages referenced concerns about homelessness and government support programs.
One message cited in the complaint allegedly stated that Trump should be “taken out” because of policy positions Moore opposed.
Federal authorities have not alleged that Moore possessed a weapon or had taken concrete steps toward carrying out an attack. However, prosecutors argued that the threats were serious enough to warrant immediate intervention and detention.
Moore remains in federal custody and is scheduled to return to court on June 9 for a preliminary hearing as the case moves forward.
