Former Airman Arrested for Threatening to Kill Trump Over Policies

U.S. Secret Service agents arrested a Michigan man for allegedly threatening to assassinate former President Donald Trump due to the administration’s policies regarding LGBTQ+ rights. Court documents unsealed on Thursday revealed that Joshua Levi Young, a 21-year-old former U.S. Air Force airman from Ishpeming, had made multiple threats since January, including social media posts that stated “Death to Trump” and “Kill the dictator.”

The charges against Young include threats to kill and injure the president as well as transmitting an interstate threat, both of which are classified as five-year felonies. Following a detention hearing in Marquette, U.S. Magistrate Judge Maarten Vermaat ordered that Young be held without bond. His attorney, Elizabeth LaCosse, did not provide a comment to the media regarding the case.

Details of the Threats and Investigation

The investigation began with an anonymous tip in mid-September, indicating that Young had made threatening remarks about Trump on Facebook. Secret Service agents subsequently searched social media and uncovered several threatening posts across platforms including Instagram, Facebook, and X. One Instagram post reportedly said, “I am going to kill Trump raise him from the dead and kill him again.”

Public records led agents to identify Young as the author of these posts. In an interview conducted at his home on October 7, 2023, Young acknowledged making the comments, stating, “I don’t like what he’s doing,” in reference to Trump. He expressed his frustration as a gay/non-binary individual aligned with the LGBTQ+ community, particularly concerning the administration’s stance on LGBTQ rights and immigration policies.

Young articulated a deep emotional impact, saying, “I hurt when others hurt.” He admitted to feeling anger towards the administration’s perceived lack of support for individuals in need, which he believed was exacerbating social issues.

Additional Concerns and Legal Implications

Following the interview, investigators conducted a search of Young’s residence, where they seized his electronic devices for further examination. Shortly thereafter, an employee at a Veterans’ Affairs clinic reported to the police that Young had visited the facility seeking legal assistance, indicating he was “considering fleeing the country.” The employee inferred that Young was looking for guidance on which countries do not extradite to the United States.

This case emerges amid a backdrop of increasing violent extremism linked to anti-government sentiments, particularly in Michigan. Young’s threats represent just one instance in a series of similar cases, including recent attempts on Trump’s life and other violent activities linked to individuals with extremist views.

As the legal proceedings unfold, the implications of Young’s actions and the broader context of rising threats against public figures will likely receive continued scrutiny. Authorities remain vigilant as they address the growing concerns surrounding extremist threats to government officials and the public at large.