A former Marine and Republican congressional candidate in Florida has been charged with threatening the president after posting violent statements against Donald Trump on social media. William Upham, 35, was arrested on July 16 and faces up to five years in federal prison if convicted. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida filed the charges, alleging Upham made threats against Trump in videos shared online.
Core Facts & Immediate Action
Upham, a write-in candidate for Florida’s 5th Congressional District, was charged under federal law for threatening the president. The Secret Service reviewed two videos where Upham, wearing his Marine uniform, described Trump as the “Antichrist” and called for his death. In one video, he suggested using a semi-automatic rifle to “overthrow” the Trump administration and detailed how to kill the president. The Marine Corps disavowed Upham, stating his comments violated his oath.
Deeper Dive & Context
Legal and Political Reactions
The Department of Justice (DOJ) confirmed the arrest, emphasizing that threats against the president are taken seriously. Upham’s campaign materials and social media posts were scrutinized, with authorities citing his calls for violence as grounds for detention. Florida’s Republican primary is scheduled for August 18, and Upham was a qualified write-in candidate challenging incumbent Rep. John Rutherford.
Military and Public Response
The Marine Corps clarified that Upham had been medically discharged in May 2025 and that his actions did not reflect the values of the service. Public reactions varied, with some condemning the threats while others questioned the legal implications of political rhetoric. Upham’s posts were shared by accounts like Libs of TikTok, amplifying their reach.
Ongoing Investigations
Federal authorities are reviewing additional communications linked to Upham to determine if others were involved in planning or endorsing the threats. The case raises broader questions about the intersection of political speech, military service, and legal consequences.