Michael David Hanson, Threats Against President, New Mexico 2026

PHOENIX, Ariz. – Michael David Hanson, 44, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, is headed to federal prison for more than two years after admitting to posting violent threats against then President Joseph Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. Hanson was sentenced to 27 months behind bars, followed by three years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to making Threats Against the President and Successors to the Presidency.

The threats surfaced on X, formerly known as Twitter, on December 22, 2023. Hanson posted a chilling message – “#joeAndKamala I’m asking you to resign on Monday your alternative is death brutally murdered…” – directly aimed at the nation’s top two leaders. Federal investigators quickly traced the post back to Hanson, confirming his intent to communicate a credible threat of violence.

U.S. Attorney Timothy Courchaine didn’t mince words, stating, “Online death threats made against leaders of the United States are criminal acts, not protected speech.” Courchaine praised the swift action of the U.S. Secret Service and the Phoenix Police Department in identifying and arresting Hanson, calling the 27-month sentence a clear warning to anyone considering similar actions.

William Mack, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service’s Phoenix Field Office, delivered an equally blunt message: “The U.S. Secret Service has zero tolerance for threats against our protectees. Let this serve as a warning. If you threaten the President of the United States, we will find you, we will arrest you and you will face justice.” Mack also acknowledged the crucial support from the Phoenix Police Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona.

The investigation was a joint effort between the U.S. Secret Service and the Phoenix Police Department. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Phoenix, handled the prosecution. Case number CR-24-0312-PHX-SPL. This case serves as a stark reminder that the digital realm is not a safe haven for criminal behavior, especially when it involves threats against those in positions of power.

Hanson’s sentence isn’t just about punishing a single individual; it's a message sent to anyone contemplating similar acts of violence. The Secret Service and federal prosecutors are increasingly focused on monitoring and prosecuting online threats, recognizing the real-world danger they pose. Release number 2026-044_Hanson.

Source: https://www.secretservice.gov/newsroom/releases/2026/03/albuquerque-man-sentenced-more-two-years-prison-threats-against-former