At a Glance
- A 22-year-old California man has been charged with threatening JD Vance during a family trip to Disneyland
- Marco Antonio Aguayo allegedly posted about planting pipe bombs and promised “bloodshed” on Disney’s Instagram
- If convicted, he faces up to five years in federal prison
- Why it matters: The case highlights how online threats against public officials are being tracked and prosecuted
A California man has been charged for posting violent threats-including claims of hidden pipe bombs-against Vice President JD Vance while Vance and his family visited Disneyland last summer.
Sophia A. Reynolds reported for News Of Losangeles that Marco Antonio Aguayo, 22, of Anaheim, left a string of menacing comments on Disney’s official Instagram account on July 12, the same day Vance was at the resort.
Threats Traced to Local Resident
According to the criminal complaint, Aguayo’s messages began at 6:14 p.m.:
- “Pipe bombs have been placed in preparation for J.D. Vance’s arrival.”
- “It’s time for us to rise up and you will be a witness to it.”
- “Good luck finding all of them on time there will be bloodshed tonight and we will bathe in the blood of corrupt politicians.”
Investigators linked the posts to Aguayo’s Instagram handle, questioned him near the park before 11 p.m., and later seized his phone and computer. He first claimed the account had been hacked, then admitted writing the comments but called them jokes.
Charges and Potential Penalty
Aguayo was arrested January 16 and charged with threats against the president and successors to the presidency, a federal offense carrying a maximum sentence of five years in prison.
He is scheduled to appear in court for the first time on January 20. It is not yet known whether he has retained an attorney.
Officials Respond
Attorney General Pam Bondi praised law enforcement for keeping the vice president’s family safe:
> “This case is a horrific reminder of the dangers public officials face from deranged criminals who would do them harm. I am grateful that my friend Vice President Vance and his family are safe, applaud the police work that led to the arrest, and will ensure my prosecutors deliver swift justice.”
First Assistant Attorney Bill Essayli issued a warning to others:
> “We will not tolerate criminal threats against public officials. We are grateful the Vice President and his family remained safe during their visit. Let this case be a warning to anyone who thinks they can make anonymous online threats. We will find you and bring you to justice.”
