Federal prosecutors have charged a Florida man accused of posting online threats targeting President Donald Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and former Attorney General Pam Bondi, according to officials in South Florida.
Nathaniel Sanders II, 32, appeared in federal court Monday after investigators said he spent months posting violent messages and videos across social media platforms. Authorities claim the threats were made between January and April and included references to firearms, bombing the White House, and harming senior government officials.
Court records filed in the Southern District of Florida allege Sanders used both X and Instagram to publish threatening statements. In one post cited by prosecutors, Sanders allegedly wrote, “Imma bomb the (expletive) White House.”
Investigators also pointed to a video where Sanders allegedly referenced first lady Melania Trump while discussing gun ownership.
“I don’t know what to do Melania, like, all I got is a gun. It’s the only thing I can use now is a gun,” Sanders said in a video posted to Instagram, per the complaint.
Another video allegedly focused on Rubio. “Like when I get my hands on him, I’m gonna hurt him. Simple as that,” Sanders said.
Federal authorities treated the posts as credible enough to launch a multi-agency investigation involving the U.S. Secret Service, U.S. Capitol Police, the U.S. Diplomatic Security Service, and the Miami Beach Police Department.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office charged Sanders with threatening the president of the United States and transmitting threats in interstate commerce. Prosecutors said he could face up to 10 years in federal prison if convicted.
U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones said the case highlights growing concerns about violent rhetoric directed at public officials.
“Threats against public officials are not political speech,” Quiñones said in a statement.
“They are serious federal crimes that endanger public safety and the rule of law. The complaint alleges that this defendant repeatedly threatened to assassinate the President of the United States and other senior officials,” he added. “Those allegations will now be tested in court. Our Office will continue working with the U.S. Secret Service and our law enforcement partners to investigate threats, protect public officials, and ensure that those who violate federal law are held accountable.”
The Secret Service also emphasized its role in tracking digital threats before violence occurs.
“Making threats against the President of the United States is a federal crime, and we treat it with the seriousness it deserves every time,” said Michael Townsend, Special Agent in Charge of the Secret Service Miami Field Office.
“It does not matter where the threat is made or what platform is used, our agents will identify you, investigate you, and work alongside our federal and local partners to bring charges when appropriate. We remain relentless in our mission to protect the President and to act swiftly against anyone who puts others at risk.”
A Secret Service spokesperson told Fox News Digital the arrest stemmed from a protective intelligence investigation designed to identify threats early, before suspects can move beyond online statements.
Federal prosecutors have not released additional details about Sanders’ legal defense or whether more charges could follow as the investigation continues.
