This is despicable and unacceptable.
Federal authorities have arrested a Southern California man accused of making violent online threats against Vice President JD Vance during a family visit to Disneyland last year, according to court records.
The suspect, Marco Antonio Aguayo, 22, is facing federal charges related to threats against the president and individuals in the presidential line of succession. Aguayo was taken into custody Friday and is scheduled to make his initial appearance Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Santa Ana.
Prosecutors say the alleged threats were made while Vice President Vance was visiting the popular theme park with his wife, Usha Vance, and at least two of their children—raising serious concerns about public safety and the protection of elected officials.
Attorney General Pam Bondi addressed the case in a statement, praising law enforcement and stressing the seriousness of threats directed at national leaders.
“This case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers public officials and their families face,” Bondi said. “I’m grateful the Vice President and his family were kept safe, and I commend the rapid response by law enforcement. My office will pursue justice swiftly.”
According to investigators, Aguayo allegedly posted multiple threatening comments on Instagram under a post from the official account of Walt Disney Company. One comment claimed explosive devices had been planted ahead of the vice president’s arrival, while others referenced violence toward political figures.
Federal authorities moved quickly. Within hours of the posts appearing online, agents from the U.S. Secret Service, working alongside the Anaheim Police Department, located Aguayo and conducted an interview.
Court filings indicate Aguayo initially denied responsibility, claiming his social media account had been compromised. However, authorities say he later admitted to posting the messages and granted agents access to his Instagram account, where the comments were still visible.
Aguayo reportedly told investigators the posts were meant as a joke and said he failed to remove them. Prosecutors emphasized that such explanations do not diminish the seriousness of the alleged threats.
If convicted, Aguayo could face up to five years in federal prison.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli underscored the government’s position in a statement following the arrest.
“Threats against public officials will not be tolerated,” Essayli said. “This case should serve as a warning: online anonymity does not shield criminal behavior. Those who make threats will be identified and held accountable.”
The arrest highlights ongoing concerns over political extremism, online radicalization, and the growing risks faced by public officials and their families—issues that continue to fuel debate over law enforcement authority, public safety, and accountability under the Trump administration.