A New Mexico man has been sentenced to nearly a year in federal prison after admitting he used multiple social media platforms to issue a series of violent threats targeting President Donald Trump in early January 2025, according to federal officials.
Tyler Leveque, 38, of Albuquerque, received roughly 10 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to making threats against the president and successors to the presidency, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico announced Wednesday.
Threats Escalated Across TikTok, X, and Facebook
According to prosecutors, Leveque’s online posts intensified over several days, prompting a joint investigation by the U.S. Secret Service and the FBI.
The threats began on Jan. 2, 2025, when Leveque posted a TikTok video in which he voiced hatred toward multiple groups, warned viewers they should be “f—ing scared,” declared he was willing to die, and ended with the taunt: “Run, run.”
On Jan. 3, he shifted to X, directly targeting President Trump.
In one post, he wrote:
“@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.”
In another post, he referenced a supposed confrontation:
“its [sic] too late for yall… see u on the 19thfor [sic] war!”
He also replied “Die” to one of President Trump’s posts.
By Jan. 4, Leveque had moved to Facebook, where he claimed he had “just bought my first gun” and posted statements urging a march on state offices while suggesting he was preparing for violent action.
He also indicated he expected to die or be jailed.
Federal Agents Intervene
Secret Service and FBI agents visited Leveque’s home in Albuquerque on Jan. 6.
According to the statement, investigators learned Leveque had initiated an online firearm purchase two days earlier, though he had not completed the transaction or taken possession of any weapon.
Agents informed him directly that his posts constituted criminal threats and were not protected under the First Amendment.
Federal Authorities Respond
Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison emphasized the seriousness of threatening public officials, stating:
“Threatening violence against public officials is a serious federal offense, and this office will prosecute these cases to the fullest extent of the law.”
Ellison added:
“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.”
Ron Emmot, resident agent in charge of the United States Secret Service in Albuquerque, said:
“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.”
Justin A. Garris, special agent in charge of the FBI Albuquerque Division, added:
“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.”
He continued:
“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.”
Sentence and Supervision
Leveque pleaded guilty to making threats and will serve three years of supervised release following his prison term.
Prosecutors underscored that threats against President Trump or any other protected official will continue to be handled vigorously as federal offenses.
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