Allegations detail violent messages, prior gun incident cited by father
CLARKSBURG, WV – A 20-year-old West Virginia man accused of sending violent threats targeting President Donald Trump and his son is being held in federal custody after a judge found he poses a danger to the community, citing both his alleged messages and a prior incident involving a firearm.
Cody Smith, of Clarksburg, faces multiple federal charges, including two counts of threats to murder the president and additional counts tied to threatening federal officials. Prosecutors allege Smith sent graphic and explicit messages to Donald Trump Jr. and made public posts describing plans to use a .308 rifle against the president.
Court filings reveal that Smith’s own father told investigators the defendant had previously escalated a dispute by pulling a firearm. “Defendant’s father explained that defendant has previously brandished a .22 rifle with someone who defendant had a disagreement with,” according to a detention order issued by U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi.
Prior threats and detention ruling
In ordering Smith detained following a March 24 hearing, Aloi pointed to both the nature of the alleged threats and the defendant’s past behavior. “Considering the totality of the underlying nature of the charges, which are credible inasmuch as they are defendant’s statements, and the prior behavior of defendant, the government argued there is sufficient evidence that defendant poses a danger to community and thus, his detention is warranted,” the judge wrote.
Smith had previously been arrested in January on state-level charges tied to threats against Trump supporters and Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, according to Harrison County jail records. Federal prosecutors later upgraded the case after securing an indictment tied to alleged presidential threats.
Investigators say Smith’s communications included detailed and explicit language about harming the president. In one social media post cited in the indictment, he allegedly wrote, “I will kill you[r] b— a— dad,” tagging both Trump and Trump Jr. Prosecutors also say he referenced using a rifle, posting about “IMPEACH THIS MOTHERF—ER WITH A .308.”
Federal agents say Smith went further, allegedly calling a Department of Homeland Security tip line and identifying himself while making threats. According to prosecutors, he also posted messages indicating his intent to attack ICE agents and recorded videos expressing plans to harm others.
Federal response and ongoing case
“The safety and security of those we protect is our highest priority and all threats against the President of the United States will be investigated and prosecuted,” said Tad Lipscomb, resident agent in charge of the U.S. Secret Service office in Charleston. “We are grateful for our law enforcement partners at HSI, the FBI, the West Virginia State Police, and the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office, as well as the federal prosecutors at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of West Virginia for their assistance during this case.”
Smith faces up to five years in prison for each count related to threats against the president and up to 10 years for the remaining charges if convicted.
His defense attorney has argued in court filings that Smith has struggled with substance abuse since childhood and recently sought his release to attend inpatient treatment. “The undersigned acknowledges defendant’s substance abuse issues, however, those issues do not negate the seriousness of the charges and the underlying conduct,” Aloi wrote in response.
Prosecutors have opposed the request for release, and Smith remains in federal custody as the case moves forward.
