An Albuquerque man has been sentenced to nearly 10 months in federal prison for making violent threats against President-Elect Donald Trump through social media posts. Tyler Leveque, 38, admitted to posting a series of messages between January 2 and 4, 2025, on platforms including TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), and Facebook.
Court documents indicate that Leveque's online activity included direct threats toward Trump and other public figures. On TikTok, he expressed disdain for several groups and individuals, stating they should be "fucking scared," adding that his willingness to die "should frighten them the most." He ended the video with "Run, run."
On January 3, 2025, Leveque posted on X: “@realDonaldTrump I got my eyes on you sir! Cant wait for your Victory rally! The 19th right!? Lol you and your rich friends are dead no threat a promise” and “Hey @celebrities @ceos @elonmusk @DonaldTrump @Joemarafa its too late for yall shouldve shut down tik tok a long time ago see u on the 19thfor war!” In response to a post from Trump on January 2, he replied simply: “Die.”
Leveque continued posting threats on Facebook the following day. Among his statements were: “Just bought my first gun bitches!” and “Hey world hey America hey trump hey ceos get rich we are hunting you down! Hahaha I’m getting ready myself! Here we come it ends now.” He also called for people to march to state offices demanding change.
Federal agents contacted Leveque at his home in Albuquerque on January 6. Investigators learned that he had paid online for a firearm but had not completed the purchase or taken possession of it. Although Leveque claimed his posts were protected by free speech rights, law enforcement clarified that such threats are not covered under the First Amendment.
“Threatening violence against public officials is a serious federal offense, and this office will prosecute these cases to the fullest extent of the law,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison. “Today’s sentencing serves as a clear reminder that such threats carry significant, lifelong consequences, including time spent incarcerated, a permanent felony record, the loss of firearm rights, and years of federal supervision. We hope others take note and choose a different path.”
“The sentencing today reminds all of us that threatening violence is not protected speech and the United States Secret Service will continue to aggressively investigate and pursue prosecution on all threats against our protectees and elected public officials.” said Ron Emmot, Resident Agent in Charge of the United States Secret Service, Albuquerque Resident Office.
"The FBI wants to remind the public that we uphold and support every individual’s constitutional right to free speech. Free speech protects ideas and debates, but it does not and will never protect violence," said Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Division. "Threatening speech that is directed toward a specific person or a group of people, whether you believe it to be anonymous or harmless, will be investigated by federal agents and we will hold them accountable."
Leveque pleaded guilty to making threats against the President and successors to the Presidency. Following his prison term, he will serve three years under supervised release.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Secret Service with help from both the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office and local police authorities. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico prosecuted the case.
