Miami Beach, Florida — A Miami Beach man is facing federal charges for allegedly threatening President Donald Trump and other senior officials through a series of violent social media posts. Nathaniel Sanders II, 32, made his initial court appearance on May 5, 2026, where he was charged with transmitting threats across state lines and threatening the president. If convicted, he could face up to a decade in prison.
The investigations into Sanders began on January 28, 2026, following a concerning tip from a U.S. Capitol Police special agent. The alert highlighted a potential threat directed at Trump, which prompted the Secret Service to delve into Sanders’ social media activities. Analysts from the agency quickly identified multiple alarming posts on his X and Instagram accounts.
Among his threatening messages were claims to “bomb” the White House, accompanied by a stark declaration: “I mean it.” Other posts expressed intense hostility toward Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and former Attorney General Pam Bondi, featuring videos in which Sanders vented his anger and hatred toward these officials.
In February, law enforcement officers visited Sanders’ residence to question him about his threats, but the encounter proved unproductive. He reportedly refused to cooperate and dismissed the officers’ inquiries, labeling them as “pedophiles.” The complaint filed by a Secret Service agent confirmed his identity through the videos he posted.
One particularly disturbing video, shared on April 10, appeared aimed at First Lady Melania Trump. In it, Sanders referred to Trump as “the biggest pedophile” and ominously stated, “I don’t know what to do Melania, like, all I got is a gun.” This alarming rhetoric raised significant concerns among federal investigators.
Sanders continued to post incendiary content, including an explicit threat towards Rubio, conveying a message in both English and Spanish. Days later, he ramped up his attacks on Trump, using derogatory language and threats such as “I’m going to kill you.” Sanders also directed menacing messages toward Bondi, reinforcing the severity of his claims.
U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones emphasized that threats against the president represent a serious violation of the law, particularly in a climate marked by heightened political tensions. Special Agent in Charge Michael Townsend of the Secret Service’s Miami office reiterated this point, warning that online threats will be treated with utmost seriousness, regardless of intent.
While the investigation revealed numerous violent statements, there is no indication that Sanders took steps to execute any of his threats. Nevertheless, authorities moved quickly in response to the explicit nature of his online behavior, citing the dangers associated with such rhetoric.
Sanders is not a newcomer to legal troubles; he was arrested in March 2026 for criminal mischief after he caused significant damage at a local vape shop. Following his court appearance, he was appointed a public defender, who has yet to comment on the case. A detention hearing is set for May 7, with an arraignment scheduled for May 18.
This incident is one of several recent threats against Trump that have been intercepted by federal authorities. While many threats are often dismissed as political bluster, the direct nature of Sanders’ posts has warranted serious legal action, marking a significant escalation in investigations surrounding threats to officials in Washington.