A Southern California man was arrested and charged Friday with making death threats against Vice President J.D. Vance during the official’s family visit to Disneyland last July, with federal authorities alleging that Marco Antonio Aguayo, 22, used Instagram to post warnings of imminent violence.
Aguayo is charged with threats against the president and successors to the presidency after allegedly commenting on the Walt Disney Company’s official Instagram account that “Pipe bombs have been placed in preparation for JD Vance’s arrival,” and later adding, “Good luck finding all of them on time there will be bloodshed tonight and we will bathe in the blood of corrupt politicians,” while Vance was at the park with his wife and children.
Although Aguayo initially claimed his account was hacked, he later admitted to posting the threats, which he called “a joke to provoke attention and laughter,” leading Attorney General Pam Bondi to state, “This case is a horrific reminder of the dangers public officials face from deranged criminals who would do them harm,” as First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli warned, “Let this case be a warning to anyone who thinks they can make anonymous online threats. We will find you and bring you to justice.” Aguayo faces up to five years in federal prison if convicted.