An Anaheim man was arrested on a federal criminal complaint for allegedly making death threats against Vice President JD Vance during the Vice President's visit to Disneyland Resort in July 2025.
Marco Antonio Aguayo, 22, is charged with threats against the President and successors to the Presidency. He is expected to make his initial appearance in United States District Court in Santa Ana.
According to an affidavit filed with the complaint, Aguayo posted several public comments on Instagram targeting Vice President Vance during his stay at Disneyland Resort. The first comment stated, “Pipe bombs have been placed in preparation for J.D. Vance’s arrival.” Another read, “It’s time for us to rise up and you will be a witness to it.” A third comment said, “Good luck finding all of them on time there will be bloodshed tonight and we will bathe in the blood of corrupt politicians.”
Law enforcement visited Aguayo at his home later that day. He surrendered his phone, which contained the three threatening messages concerning the Vice President.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi commented on the case: “This case is a horrific reminder of the dangers public officials face from deranged criminals who would do them harm. I am grateful that my friend Vice President Vance and his family are safe, applaud the police work that led to the arrest, and will ensure my prosecutors deliver swift justice.”
First Assistant United States Attorney Bill Essayli added: “We will not tolerate criminal threats against public officials. We are grateful the Vice President and his family remained safe during their visit. Let this case be a warning to anyone who thinks they can make anonymous online threats. We will find you and bring you to justice.”
Aguayo faces a statutory maximum sentence of five years in federal prison if convicted. A complaint contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime; every defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.
The United States Secret Service is leading the investigation with support from the FBI and Anaheim Police Department. Special Assistant United States Attorney Robert K. Quealy of the Major Frauds Section is prosecuting this case.
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Central District of California serves as the federal prosecutor's office for its district, handling both criminal prosecutions and civil matters for more than 19 million residents across seven counties (https://www.justice.gov/usao-cdca). The office works closely with federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to ensure public safety (https://www.justice.gov/usao-cdca) and maintains offices in Los Angeles, Santa Ana, and Riverside (https://www.justice.gov/usao-cdca).
The U.S. Attorney's Office also supports community outreach through victim assistance programs and public education initiatives (https://www.justice.gov/usao-cdca). E. Martin Estrada has served as United States Attorney for this district (https://www.justice.gov/usao-cdca).
