Federal authorities have charged a Southern California man accused of issuing violent death threats against Vice President J.D. Vance during a family visit to Disneyland, prompting swift law enforcement action and renewed warnings about threats targeting elected officials.
The suspect, 22-year-old Marco Antonio Aguayo, was arrested Friday and charged with making threats against the president and successors to the presidency.
Prosecutors say Aguayo posted a series of alarming comments online while Vance was visiting the Anaheim theme park with his wife, Usha, and at least two of their children.
According to federal court filings, the threats were made through Instagram in the comment section of a post published by the Walt Disney Company’s official account.
Authorities allege Aguayo warned of imminent violence tied directly to Vance’s presence at Disneyland.
One of the comments allegedly claimed that pipe bombs had been placed ahead of the vice president’s arrival. Another message called for an uprising, while a third escalated into a graphic threat predicting bloodshed and violence against political leaders.
The threats triggered an immediate response from the Secret Service and local law enforcement. Two Secret Service agents and an Anaheim Police Department sergeant reportedly located Aguayo less than five hours after the posts appeared online.
Initially, Aguayo denied involvement and told investigators that his account had been hacked. However, authorities say he later admitted to writing the comments and granted agents access to his Instagram account, where the posts were confirmed.
During questioning, Aguayo allegedly attempted to downplay the threats, claiming the comments were meant as a joke intended to draw attention and provoke reactions online. He also told law enforcement he had forgotten to delete the messages.
Federal officials rejected that explanation, emphasizing the seriousness of threats directed at national leaders, especially when family members are present.
Attorney General Pam Bondi addressed the case in a statement, calling it a stark reminder of the risks faced by public officials and their families. She said the swift arrest underscored the administration’s commitment to protecting elected leaders and holding offenders accountable.
Bondi also praised law enforcement for moving quickly to neutralize what she described as a credible and dangerous situation, adding that federal prosecutors would pursue the case aggressively, as the New York Post reported.
Vance and his family were unharmed during the visit, and authorities confirmed there was no evidence that explosives or weapons had actually been placed at the park.
Aguayo is expected to make his initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Santa Ana on Tuesday. If convicted on the federal charges, he faces up to five years in prison.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli warned that online anonymity does not shield individuals from prosecution, stressing that threats against public officials will be investigated and punished.
The case comes amid heightened concern over political violence and online radicalization, as federal agencies continue to monitor social media platforms for threats tied to high-profile figures.
