Key Takeaways

• A former Green Beret turned lawyer, Ivan Raiklin, has been stalking a top federal prosecutor outside a Washington courthouse.
• Raiklin filmed and harassed Deputy DOJ lawyer Jocelyn Ballantine with extreme questions about a “fed-surrection” cover-up.
• His online posts push violent threats and call for public hangings against Trump critics and government officials.
• A separate lawsuit accuses Raiklin of defamation and emotional distress for targeting a former CIA health director.
• Legal experts warn that allowing this stalking behavior could endanger more people without swift action.

Stalking by Lawyer Raises Security Concerns

Ivan Raiklin, once a military officer and now a lawyer, filmed himself stalking Deputy Chief Prosecutor Jocelyn Ballantine. He tailed her outside a federal courthouse in late December. In his video, he peppered her with questions about a “fed-surrection” cover-up. No security detail was visible. Then in early January, he posted another video of a different man stalking the same prosecutor after a high-profile court hearing.

Stalking Outside the Courthouse Sparks Fear

This stalking has alarmed many. Ballantine leads major national security cases, including prosecutions of Jan. 6 attackers. She is also a lead prosecutor in the case of Brian Cole Jr., accused of planting a pipe bomb at the Capitol. Many Trump supporters claim Cole is a “patsy” in a political plot. Raiklin and his followers say Ballantine is part of a Deep State conspiracy. Their videos imply she deserves punishment.

Who Is Ivan Raiklin?

Ivan Raiklin served as an Army Green Beret. After 2020, he became a vocal Trump supporter. He calls himself a “secretary of retribution” for Trump. On social media, he promotes a so-called Deep State Target List. He also suggests “live-streamed swatting raids” against opponents. His rhetoric often hints at violence. Followers have cheered on calls for hangings, firing squads, and lynch mobs.

Why Prosecutors Are Targets

Since Trump’s 2020 loss, right-wing conspiracy theories have blamed federal officials for cheating. Prosecutors who charge Trump allies or critics make easy targets. Ballantine handled the Proud Boys cases and Michael Flynn’s immunity battle. These high-profile cases draw fierce online anger. Therefore, Raiklin turned his camera on her to stir his base.

What Happened at the Courthouse?

On December 30, Raiklin followed Ballantine as she entered the DC federal courthouse. He asked her if she covered up a “fed-surrection.” His tone was menacing. Security agents did not intervene. Then on January 9, Raiklin posted a video of another man stalking her outside Brian Cole Jr.’s arraignment. The stalker warned Ballantine to quit or face divine judgment. Again, no guards stepped in.

Legal Experts Sound the Alarm

Kevin Carroll, a national security attorney, called Raiklin “dangerous” and “deranged.” He said any lawyer following a prosecutor down the street would face discipline. Yet Raiklin, also a bar member, roams free. Carroll represents another Raiklin target, Dr. Terry Adirim. He said the U.S. Marshals Service should have intervened. Instead, Raiklin’s threats continued unchecked.

Threats Beyond the Courthouse

Raiklin’s stalking is not his only offense. In April last year, he tagged CIA Director John Ratcliffe on social media, asking if Dr. Terry Adirim was “burrowing in” at the agency. Soon after, Adirim lost her post at the CIA. She sued Raiklin and the CIA for defamation, breach of contract, and emotional distress. The lawsuit cites Raiklin’s threats to lynch and shoot her for her work on COVID-19 vaccine mandates.

Deep State Target List and Calls for Violence

Raiklin’s Deep State Target List names people he accuses of treason. He aired his list on podcasts. On one show, he said Adirim deserves charges of “genocide and mass mutilation.” He posted videos of followers firing guns at a range, captioned with threats of “mass defenestration.” A follower even shared a GIF of a person thrown from a window. These posts push violent imagery and threats.

Legal Battle Over Defamation and Threats

In court filings, Raiklin’s lawyer claimed his statements about Adirim are just opinions. He asked to dismiss the lawsuit. However, the amended complaint alleges Raiklin urged followers to vaccinate Adirim by force, throw her out a window, and hang her. It also says he implied she should be shot. Despite these threats, courts have not yet disciplined him.

Why Action Is Urgent

Stalking a federal prosecutor in public breaks legal and ethical boundaries. It risks the safety of Ballantine and other officials. Moreover, it undermines trust in the justice system. If threats go unanswered, copycats may act on violent rhetoric. Legal experts fear that without swift action, someone could get hurt.

Authorities’ Response So Far

The U.S. Marshals Service said it would look into the stalking videos but has not confirmed an investigation. The Department of Justice has not publicly commented. Raiklin and his attorney have not replied to interview requests. Meanwhile, Carroll warns that only immediate intervention can stop the threats from escalating.

What Can Be Done Next

Attorney discipline boards can investigate Raiklin’s conduct. The Marshals Service can assign protection details for targeted prosecutors. Courts can hold hearings on stalking and threats. Public pressure and media attention may push authorities to act. Above all, federal agencies must treat these incidents as real dangers, not mere online posturing.

Protecting Officials and the Rule of Law

Stalking and threats against government lawyers threaten democracy. Prosecutors must work without fear of harassment or violence. Therefore, agencies must enforce rules against stalking. They must also hold lawyers like Raiklin accountable under professional codes. Only then can officials safely do their jobs and uphold justice.

FAQs

Why is this stalking incident so serious?

Stalking a federal prosecutor outside a courthouse risks her safety and ability to work. It creates a hostile environment for justice. Moreover, it shows that violent rhetoric can spill into real-world threats.

How does the legal system treat stalking by lawyers?

Lawyers face bar investigations and court sanctions for stalking or threatening behavior. Judges can impose protective orders. Disciplinary boards can suspend or disbar a lawyer found guilty.

What is the Deep State Target List?

The list is Raiklin’s collection of names he claims are traitors in government. He uses it to rally followers and justify extreme measures against named individuals.

What can citizens do to support prosecutor safety?

They can call for investigations by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Department of Justice. They can write to their representatives to demand stronger laws against stalking. They can also raise awareness in local media and social platforms.