John Paul Cupp, 45, of Portland, Ore., is facing federal charges after allegedly making violent threats outside a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement building in South Portland, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
“From bounties placed on their heads for their murders, threats to their families, stalking and doxxing online, our officers are experiencing an unprecedented level of violence and threats against them and their families,” Tricia McLaughlin, a spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, stated on Tuesday.
“If you threaten or lay a hand on law enforcement, you will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” she said.
On Oct. 14, Cupp began yelling at law-enforcement officers as they approached a crowd outside the facility, allegedly threatening to kill the officers and sexually assault their wives, per court documents.
In November, Cupp continued to post videos and statements online reiterating the same threats against federal agents and their wives, the Justice Department stated, adding that he is a “prolific producer of online content and regularly posts aggressive rhetoric, calls for war against the United States, antisemitic threats and threats of violence.”
“Threats to law enforcement personnel have absolutely no place in our community,” stated Matt Torres, acting FBI Portland special agent in charge. “Attempts to intimidate those sworn to protect the American people and uphold our Constitution degrade efforts to keep all of us safe.”
“The FBI will use all investigative means available to us to seek out and arrest anyone using violent rhetoric to express themselves,” he said.
