A Butler, Pennsylvania resident pleaded guilty on Apr. 13 to making threats against President Donald J. Trump, other United States officials, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, according to United States Attorney Troy Rivetti.
The case is significant because it involves threats made against high-ranking government officials and law enforcement officers. The prosecution highlights the seriousness with which such threats are treated by federal authorities.
Shawn Monper, age 33, entered his plea before United States District Judge W. Scott Hardy. He admitted guilt to two counts of threatening to assault and murder U.S. officials and federal law enforcement officers with the intent to impede or retaliate against them in connection with their official duties. As part of his agreement, Monper also accepted responsibility for additional charges filed against him.
According to information presented in court, the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Threat Operations Section received an emergency disclosure on April 8, 2025 regarding online threats posted by a user identified as “Mr Satan.” Investigators traced this activity back to Monper’s residence in the Western District of Pennsylvania. The investigation found that after President Trump’s inauguration, Monper obtained a firearms permit and posted online about purchasing guns and ammunition. In February 2025 he wrote: “I have bought several guns and been stocking up on ammo since Trump got in office.” In March he added: “Eventually im going to do a mass shooting,” followed by another post stating: “I have been buying 1 gun a month since the election, body armor, and ammo.”
Monper made multiple threatening statements targeting President Trump, other U.S. officials, and ICE agents between January 15 and April 5 of that year. Among those cited were posts saying: “Nah, we just need to start killing people, Trump, Elon [Musk], all the heads of agencies Trump appointed...” as well as "ICE are terrorist people; we need to start killing them." Law enforcement arrested Monper on April 9 based on these threats; he has remained detained since then.
Judge Hardy scheduled sentencing for August 12. Each count carries a maximum sentence of up to ten years in prison or a $250,000 fine under federal law; however actual sentencing will depend on guidelines considering offense severity and criminal history.
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan J. McKenna is prosecuting the case with investigative support from both the FBI and Butler Township Police Department.
