A Florida man has been charged in federal court after prosecutors said he posted repeated social media threats targeting President Donald Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and former Attorney General Pam Bondi.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida said 32-year-old Nathaniel Sanders II of Miami Beach used X and Instagram over several months to publish messages that included threats of violence.
Authorities said the posts were made between January and April 2026 and were discovered during an investigation involving the U.S. Secret Service.
Sanders appeared in federal court this week. He faces charges of threatening the president of the United States and transmitting threats in interstate commerce. If convicted, he could face up to 10 years in federal prison.
Allegations in the social media posts
According to court records cited by prosecutors, Sanders allegedly directed violent statements toward senior U.S. officials in multiple posts. In one instance, he allegedly made comments about Rubio, saying the senator-turned-secretary “bleeds like everyone else” and adding that he would “hurt him” if he got the chance.
In other posts reviewed by investigators, Sanders is accused of issuing direct threats toward President Trump, including statements calling on the president to “come find me” and suggesting physical harm.
He also allegedly used offensive language in reference to Trump and wrote messages stating, “I’m going to kill you.”
Authorities further said Sanders posted content suggesting violent intent toward the White House and made remarks that were interpreted as threats against public officials.
In one video referenced in the complaint, he also appeared to speak directly to former First Lady Melania Trump while making alarming comments involving a firearm.
Prosecutors said there is no evidence that Sanders took steps to carry out any attack.
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Pam Bondi, Rubio threatened
The U.S. Secret Service said it began monitoring the posts after they surfaced online and attempted to interview Sanders in February. According to court documents, he refused to cooperate and allegedly responded to officers with hostility during early contact attempts.
U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones said in a statement that threats against public officials are treated as serious federal crimes and are not protected speech. He said the office is working with law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute threats that could endanger public safety.
Special Agent in Charge Michael Townsend of the Secret Service Miami Field Office said agents act quickly to identify individuals making threats, regardless of the platform used.
He added that the agency remains committed to protecting the president and other officials from potential harm.
Sanders is currently in custody. A bond hearing is scheduled, and his arraignment is set for May 18. Court records indicate he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Why this matters
The case comes as U.S. authorities face increasing pressure to address online threats directed at political leaders. With President Donald Trump currently in office, officials say digital platforms have become a growing space for violent rhetoric that can trigger security concerns.
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Federal agencies have expanded monitoring efforts in recent years as threats against public figures continue to appear across social media. The case also reflects how quickly online statements can lead to criminal charges when they are interpreted as credible threats.
For law enforcement, the challenge lies in balancing free expression with public safety. Prosecutors argue that repeated threats against high-ranking officials cross a legal line and require intervention before any potential escalation.
The outcome of the case will test how courts handle online speech that includes violent language directed at national leaders, at a time when political tensions and public scrutiny of social media activity remain high.
