A former U.S. Coast Guard lieutenant with sharpshooter qualifications has been arrested and charged with making threats against President Donald Trump. Peter Stinson, 43, is accused of posting multiple violent threats on social media, expressing a desire to assassinate the president. Federal agents allege that Stinson’s online posts included detailed plans and repeated threats to harm Trump, including a chilling vow to “twist the knife” after stabbing him.
The Threatening Posts
Stinson, who spent 33 years in the Coast Guard and served as an instructor for FEMA, allegedly began making violent threats against Trump in early 2020. According to the FBI, Stinson self-identified as a member of antifa on his social media accounts and used various code names for the president, such as “orange,” “one ear,” and “Krasnov.” In a series of posts dating back to February 2020, Stinson is accused of saying that Trump must go “at any cost” and even expressed a willingness to pay for a hitman to kill him.
By April 2020, Stinson’s rhetoric became more explicit. In one post, he allegedly said he would be willing to “take the fall” for the assassination to “save America” and offered his assistance to anyone with the “skills” to carry out the attack. In several posts, Stinson reportedly volunteered to be a getaway driver for the assassination, claiming he wasn’t “a good enough shot.”
Escalating Threats
Stinson’s posts reportedly became more frequent and disturbing as time went on. Between July and August 2020, he allegedly posted multiple times about “pulling the trigger” on Trump, offering to assist with the assassination. He later posted about using different methods, including poison, to kill Trump, suggesting that it might be the “only solution.”
In early 2025, Stinson allegedly became even more detailed in his posts. On Jan. 29, 2025, he wrote that poison might be the best method to kill the president. Just days later, he again referenced poison, saying it was the “only solution.” On Feb. 15, he allegedly posted that “he who kills the President to save the country has broken no laws.”
In the weeks that followed, Stinson’s posts continued to encourage violence. On Feb. 18, 2025, he allegedly wrote, “Take the shot. We’ll deal with the fallout,” and on Feb. 20, 2025, he suggested that the only way to remove Trump was through violence, not impeachment. He also made further graphic and violent threats, saying that he would “twist the knife” after stabbing the president.
Legal Actions and Arrest
Stinson was arrested by federal agents, and he is facing a felony charge for making threats against the president of the United States. Federal investigators allege that Stinson’s posts indicate he had planned for violence against the president, citing his repeated references to specific methods of attack, including the use of a rifle, poison, and knives.
Stinson appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ivan Davis, who ordered him to be held without bond. His next hearing is set for June 18, where he will face further legal proceedings.
Community and Official Reactions
The arrest has sparked concern over the rise of threats against public figures, particularly those directed at the president. Federal authorities have stressed the importance of addressing such threats with serious legal consequences, as they pose a significant risk to national security and public safety.
Dealing with threats of violence against high-profile figures, especially the president, is a priority for federal law enforcement agencies. The case highlights the growing issue of social media being used to spread violent rhetoric and threats.
