This is unacceptable.
Federal authorities were placed on alert after a shocking social media post surfaced calling for violence against Vice President JD Vance, triggering immediate coordination between the Secret Service, the FBI, and local law enforcement.
The disturbing message appeared on the left-leaning social media platform Bluesky, where a user openly promoted violent rhetoric in response to a political dispute involving U.S. foreign policy. The post quickly drew the attention of authorities due to its explicit nature and its target — a sitting vice president in President Donald Trump’s administration.
According to officials, the individual behind the post identified himself as a volunteer radio show host associated with WUML, a campus radio station funded by the University of Massachusetts at Lowell. The station has operated for decades as a student-managed outlet serving both the university and the surrounding Massachusetts community.
Once university officials became aware of the post, campus police acted without delay.
UMass Lowell police confirmed they immediately contacted federal authorities and coordinated with the FBI, the U.S. Secret Service, and local police departments to assess the situation and determine whether there was any imminent danger.
Law enforcement made direct contact with the individual and conducted a full threat evaluation alongside federal partners. Officials later stated that no immediate danger was identified, but stressed that any language promoting violence against public officials is treated with the utmost seriousness.
The Secret Service confirmed it was aware of the online post and reviewed the matter as part of its protective responsibilities. Federal investigators declined to comment further, citing standard procedure.
University officials issued a firm response, making clear that such rhetoric has no place in a civil society.
“UMass Lowell takes seriously any threat of violence involving our community,” the university said in a statement. “Statements like the one involved here run counter to the values of our democracy and the mission of the university.”
Following the investigation, the individual resigned from his volunteer position at the radio station and removed the controversial post, along with several others, from his Bluesky account. The university confirmed the person is an alumnus.
The incident underscores growing concerns about political hostility online and the increasing burden placed on federal agencies tasked with protecting national leaders during a highly charged political climate under President Trump’s second term.
Law enforcement officials continue to urge the public to report threatening or dangerous rhetoric before it escalates, emphasizing that online posts can carry real-world consequences.