Key Takeaways:
- Peter Stinson, a former Coast Guard lieutenant, faces federal charges for threatening President Trump online.
- He suggested crowdfunding an assassination and shared violent fantasies.
- Stinson, with a sharpshooting background, is being held until his hearing.
A Former Coast Guard Lieutenant Faces Serious Charges
A former Coast Guard officer, Peter Stinson, is in hot water for allegedly threatening President Trump’s life. The accusations include violent social media posts where he talked about crowdfunding an assassination.
A History of Threats
Stinson, from Oakton, Virginia, reportedly made hundreds of violent posts on platforms like X and Reddit starting in 2020. One post in April 2020 suggested crowdfunding a hit, offering $100 towards it. In February 2025, he asked about crowdsourcing a contract hit, just a day after sharing a violent fantasy involving Trump.
Stinson’s Background
Stinson served in the Coast Guard for over three decades, earning the rank of lieutenant. His military career included sharpshooting awards and roles in emergency management. He also holds a master’s degree in national security.
Legal Proceedings
A judge has ordered Stinson to remain in jail pending his hearing. Authorities are taking these threats seriously, especially given his military background, which makes the threats more concerning.
A Larger Context
This case comes after other violent incidents, including the assassination of a state representative and another plot against Trump. These events highlight growing concerns about political violence and online threats.