A self-described “patriot” from Florida has pleaded guilty to making online threats against prominent political figures, including former President Joe Biden and former President Barack Obama. Federal prosecutors say Peter Ring, 31, of Bell, Florida, admitted to posting violent messages on YouTube between May and September 2025.
According to court documents, Ring wrote comments calling for the “death and extermination of Democrats” and specifically threatened Biden, Obama, and their families. He also made statements praising President Donald Trump while attacking political opponents. Ring accepted a plea agreement on Feb. 12 to two counts of threatening communication and now faces up to 10 years in prison, six years of supervised release, and fines of up to $500,000 when he is sentenced in April.
FBI Investigation and Escalating Online Threats
The case began in June 2025 when the Federal Bureau of Investigation received a complaint from The Washington Post reporting a threat made against one of its reporters. Investigators traced the threat back to Ring. When initially contacted by federal agents, Ring reportedly said he would stop making such statements.
However, authorities say the threats continued. Two months later, the FBI received additional tips alleging that Ring was posting religiously and politically motivated threats targeting Muslim individuals, members of the media, and elected officials. According to the Justice Department, he threatened at least fourteen victims over several months and claimed online that he possessed “mini arsenals” in his home.
Justice Department Response and Sentencing
The United States Department of Justice announced Ring’s plea agreement in a press release, emphasizing the seriousness of threats motivated by political or religious animus. Prosecutors highlighted multiple posts in which Ring declared “This is war” and warned that “We Patriots will kill u all.”
U.S. Attorney John Heekin of the Northern District of Florida stated that his office maintains zero tolerance for criminal threats directed at individuals based on their political or religious affiliations. Ring is scheduled to be sentenced on April 28, where a federal judge will determine his final punishment within the statutory limits.
