Michigan Man Arrested for Threatening to Kill Trump Over Policies

U.S. Secret Service agents apprehended a former U.S. Air Force airman from Michigan, accusing him of threatening to assassinate former President Donald Trump due to the administration’s policies concerning LGBTQ+ rights. Joshua Levi Young, 21, from Ishpeming, faces serious charges after allegedly issuing multiple threats since January, including statements like “Death to Trump” and “Kill the dictator.” Court records unsealed on October 7, 2023, detail the accusations against Young, who now faces charges of threatening to kill and injure the president, as well as transmitting an interstate threat, both of which carry a maximum penalty of five years in prison.

During a detention hearing in Marquette, U.S. Magistrate Judge Maarten Vermaat ordered Young to be held without bond. His attorney, Elizabeth LaCosse, did not respond to requests for comment regarding the case. This situation arises amid a troubling trend of increased violent extremism in Michigan, which has seen two assassination attempts against Trump since last year.

The investigation into Young’s threats commenced following an anonymous tip received in mid-September, indicating that he had made threats against Trump on social media. Secret Service investigators subsequently examined his posts across various platforms, including Instagram, Facebook, and X. One alarming post reportedly stated, “I am going to kill Trump raise him from the dead and kill him again.”

Public records provided evidence linking Young to these posts. In an interview conducted at his home on October 7, 2023, Young acknowledged crafting the threatening messages. According to Special Agent Adam Rogers, Young expressed his discontent with Trump’s policies, particularly regarding LGBTQ+ rights, stating, “I don’t like what he’s doing.” Young, who identifies as gay and non-binary, conveyed feelings of anger and frustration over the administration’s stance on LGBTQ+ issues and immigration rights.

Following the interview, investigators executed a search of Young’s home where they seized electronic devices believed to contain evidence related to the threats. In a concerning development, an employee at a Veterans’ Affairs clinic in Ishpeming reported that Young had sought legal advice, expressing intentions to flee the country. The employee indicated that Young was inquiring about countries that do not extradite to the United States.

The case against Young highlights a broader issue of rising political violence and threats against public figures, particularly in the context of heightened political polarization. As this situation unfolds, authorities remain vigilant in addressing threats to national leaders and public safety.