Former Airman Arrested for Threatening to Kill Trump Over Policies

U.S. Secret Service agents arrested a former U.S. Air Force airman, Joshua Levi Young, 21, from Ishpeming, Michigan, for allegedly threatening to kill President Donald Trump over the administration’s LGBTQ+ policies. The charges, which include threatening to kill and injure the president, were outlined in federal court records made public on October 5, 2023.

Young is accused of posting multiple threats on social media since January, including messages stating “Death to Trump,” “Death To POTUS,” and “Kill the dictator.” If convicted, he faces up to five years in prison for each of the two felony charges. Following a detention hearing in Marquette, U.S. Magistrate Judge Maarten Vermaat ordered Young to be held without bond.

Background and Investigation

The investigation began after an anonymous tip was received in mid-September 2023, indicating that Young had made threats against Trump on Facebook. Secret Service agents subsequently searched various social media platforms and discovered additional threats on Instagram, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter).

In one particularly alarming Instagram post, Young wrote, “I am going to kill Trump, raise him from the dead, and kill him again.” Public records linked these posts directly to Young, prompting an interview at his home on October 7, 2023, conducted by Special Agent Adam Rogers and a police sergeant from Ishpeming.

During the questioning, Young expressed his disdain for Trump’s policies. “I don’t like what he’s doing,” he reportedly said. Young, who identifies as gay and non-binary, expressed anger over the administration’s stance on LGBTQ+ rights and immigration issues, stating, “I hurt when others hurt.” He admitted to authoring the threatening posts and voiced frustration over the government’s perceived lack of support for the American people.

Subsequent Actions and Concerns

After the interview, investigators executed a search warrant at Young’s residence, where they seized several electronic devices. Shortly afterward, an employee at a Veterans’ Affairs clinic reported that Young had visited, seeking legal advice about potentially fleeing the country. The employee inferred that Young was exploring options for countries that do not extradite to the United States.

This case highlights a growing trend of violent anti-government extremism in Michigan and across the United States. Since last year, there have been two documented assassination attempts targeting President Trump. Additionally, another individual associated with the Michigan Army National Guard faced charges in May 2023 for attempting to attack a military base in Warren on behalf of the Islamic State.

The rising threats raise significant concerns regarding the safety of public officials and the broader implications of political extremism. As the legal proceedings continue, the focus will remain on the motivations behind such threats and the measures necessary to address this troubling trend.