PHOENIX, AZ – David Michael Hanson, 41, of Phoenix, is facing federal charges after allegedly unleashing a barrage of online threats against the President and Vice President of the United States. The U.S. Secret Service took Hanson into custody Wednesday, following a disturbing pattern of violent posts made over the past two months.
According to a Federal criminal complaint, Hanson used a social media platform in November and December of 2023 to explicitly threaten the lives of the nation’s top two leaders. On November 19th, Hanson posted a particularly chilling message, stating, “#joeAndKamala I’m asking you to resign on Monday your alternative is death brutally murdered.” The language is blunt, direct, and paints a clear picture of intent, according to investigators.
This wasn’t a fleeting outburst. Despite a direct warning from the U.S. Secret Service following the initial threats – a warning that such posts constitute a federal crime – Hanson doubled down. On December 23rd, he allegedly posted another series of similar, menacing statements directed at the President and Vice President. The persistence of the threats prompted the agency to pursue criminal charges.
Hanson is now charged with five counts of Threats Against the President and Successors to the Presidency, and five counts of Interstate Communication of Threats. Each charge carries a hefty penalty: a maximum sentence of five years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a potential three years of supervised release. That means Hanson could face up to 50 years in federal prison if convicted on all counts.
Federal prosecutors with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, are handling the case. It’s crucial to remember that a complaint is merely an accusation, and Hanson is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The Secret Service is leading the ongoing investigation, digging into Hanson’s motives and any potential connections to extremist groups.
This case underscores the growing challenge of online threats in the digital age. While free speech is a cornerstone of American democracy, it does not extend to credible threats of violence against public officials. Case number 24-6010MJ, Release number 2024-110_Hanson. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case as it unfolds.
Related Federal Cases
- Adrianne Marta Frazer, Tax Refund Fraud, Phoenix AZ, 2023 · Oregon
- David Young, Procurement Fraud Scheme, Hernando Beach FL, 2023 · Arizona
- Jerrick David Bartee, Cocaine Ring Involvement, West Palm Beach FL,… · New Jersey
- John S. Leonardo, Voter Fraud Prevention, Phoenix AZ, 2023 · New Mexico
- Michael P. Ayala, Methamphetamine Distribution, MO 2023 · New Mexico
Key Facts
- Agency: U.S. Secret Service
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Press Release
Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free
Browse More
