Washington, D.C. – On June 17, 2025, Peter Stinson, a former U.S. Coast Guard lieutenant, was arrested by the FBI after being accused of making multiple threats against former President Donald Trump. Stinson, who served in the U.S. Coast Guard from 1988 until his retirement in 2021, is facing federal charges related to alleged social media posts that included graphic threats to assassinate Trump. The accusations against Stinson include posts that referenced firearms, poison, and knives as potential methods of carrying out the threats.
Stinson, who was also a sharpshooter and FEMA instructor during his tenure in the Coast Guard, allegedly used his social media platforms to express violent intentions, some of which were directed at high-profile political figures. One post from May 9, 2025, reportedly included a reference to “Luigied,” a term alluding to a suspect involved in a separate assassination case. While Stinson allegedly admitted to law enforcement that he lacked the necessary skills to carry out an assassination, he also suggested that he may not have been truthful about his ability to execute such plans.
The FBI investigation into Stinson’s activities began after his online posts raised concerns. Investigators discovered that in several of his messages, Stinson used the number “8647,” which may be a reference to a controversial post made by former FBI Director James Comey, further complicating the case. This cryptic number and its potential connection to the FBI have sparked additional intrigue as authorities examine Stinson’s social media footprint for further clues.
Throughout the investigation, Stinson is said to have openly identified himself as a member of ANTIFA, a far-left political movement known for its opposition to right-wing ideologies and often associated with anti-government sentiments. His social media activity reportedly included aggressive posts that supported violence and expressed disdain for conservative figures, including Trump. The tone and content of his posts suggested that Stinson may have posed a genuine threat to Trump, particularly given his military background and training in firearms.
The most recent alleged threat came on June 11, 2025, when Stinson posted a message that seemed to celebrate the potential death of Donald Trump. The message was seen as a direct expression of Stinson’s violent inclinations and further raised alarms for law enforcement officials. In the wake of this post, the FBI acted swiftly to arrest Stinson, fearing that his online threats could translate into real-world violence.
The charges against Stinson are severe. Making threats against the president is a federal offense in the United States, and those found guilty can face substantial prison sentences. In this case, Stinson is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday, where he will face these charges and likely have an opportunity to respond to the accusations. His arrest highlights the serious nature of online threats, particularly when they are directed at high-profile individuals such as the former president.
Authorities have emphasized that the arrest of Stinson is part of a broader effort to address the rising number of threats made against public figures, especially political leaders. While Stinson’s case is still under investigation, his arrest sends a clear message that such threats will not be tolerated and that law enforcement will pursue all available avenues to protect public figures from harm.
The investigation into Stinson’s activities has raised important questions about the role of social media in facilitating the spread of violent rhetoric and extremist views. In the wake of the arrest, experts have called for increased vigilance in monitoring online activity, particularly when it involves individuals with access to weapons and military training. The case also underscores the complex intersection of social media, political ideologies, and the potential for real-world violence.
As the legal proceedings move forward, the public will likely see further developments in the case, especially as more details emerge about Stinson’s motives and the full extent of his social media activity. His arrest has already ignited discussions about the broader implications of political violence and the need for better safeguards against threats made through digital platforms.