HARRISBURG, PA – Jacob Buckley, 22, of Port Matilda, Pennsylvania, is facing federal charges after allegedly posting violent threats against then-President-elect Donald J. Trump on the social media platform TikTok. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced the charges today, detailing a chilling series of posts made in January of this year.
According to Acting United States Attorney John Gurganus, Buckley, using the TikTok handle “Jacob_buckley,” unleashed a barrage of threats on January 16, 2025. The posts, now part of the official criminal information, included the statement: “I hate MAGA republicans bro on god I’ll kill all of them.” But the threats didn’t stop there. Buckley allegedly followed up with the direct declaration: “I’m going to kill Trump” and, later, “Bro we going into a literal oligarchy in 4 days and im going to kill Trump.”
The Secret Service swiftly launched an investigation, quickly identifying Buckley as the source of the disturbing online pronouncements. The agency’s cyber forensics team traced the posts back to his account, providing the evidence needed to secure the charges. While the First Amendment protects free speech, direct threats of violence, particularly against a protectee like the President-elect, cross a clear legal line.
Assistant United States Attorney K. Wesley Mishoe is handling the prosecution. If convicted, Buckley faces a maximum sentence of 5 years’ imprisonment. Beyond jail time, he could also be subjected to a period of supervised release, a hefty fine, and a mandatory special assessment fee. The actual sentence will be determined by the court, taking into account federal sentencing guidelines and relevant statutes.
This case highlights the growing challenge of monitoring and responding to threats made online, particularly on platforms like TikTok, where content can spread rapidly. While authorities stress that an Information is simply a statement of allegations, the charges against Buckley are serious and carry significant consequences. He is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case as it moves through the legal system. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the volatile political climate and the potential for online rhetoric to escalate into real-world violence. The investigation remains ongoing, and further details may emerge as the case progresses. # # #
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Key Facts
- Agency: U.S. Secret Service
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Press Release
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