Texas Man Accused of Threatening Trump and Other Officials in Disturbing Online Posts

A man from North Texas is in serious legal trouble after authorities say he posted violent threats online aimed at former President Donald Trump, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, and other federal officials.

Robert King, 35, was taken into custody and is now facing federal charges for allegedly using social media to threaten public figures. His case is raising concerns about the growing number of online threats directed at political leaders.

“I’ll Pull the Trigger Myself”

Court documents reveal chilling details. King reportedly wrote several disturbing messages suggesting he wanted to harm government officials. In one post, he allegedly said, “I’ll pull the trigger myself,” referencing Donald Trump. He also allegedly targeted federal agents and prosecutors with similar language.

These messages, investigators say, crossed the line from angry rhetoric into criminal threats. Authorities believe his posts showed a clear intent to incite violence.

FBI Steps In After Tip-Off

The FBI was alerted after a tip came in about King’s social media activity. Agents began digging into his accounts and quickly discovered a pattern of violent threats.

The posts weren’t vague or symbolic. Prosecutors say they were specific, aggressive, and aimed at real individuals in positions of power. That prompted the FBI to act fast, leading to King’s arrest on federal charges of transmitting threats in interstate commerce—a serious crime under U.S. law.

Not Just an Online Rant

What may have once been dismissed as online ranting is now being taken far more seriously. In today’s tense political environment, law enforcement is increasingly treating these kinds of threats as legitimate dangers.

“There’s a difference between free speech and threats of violence,” one federal official said. “We’re seeing more cases where individuals are using platforms like Facebook or X (formerly Twitter) to express violent intent, and that’s something we have to investigate thoroughly.”

Part of a Larger, Troubling Trend

King’s arrest isn’t an isolated incident. It follows a series of high-profile threats made against public officials in recent years.

In 2022, a man was arrested outside Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh’s home with a gun, reportedly intending to kill him. Just last year, a Utah man was shot by FBI agents after threatening President Joe Biden online. In both cases, authorities say the individuals appeared motivated by political grievances and had taken steps toward carrying out their threats.

Experts say social media plays a big role in fueling these kinds of actions. The ability to spread anger and misinformation quickly—and often anonymously—can make it easier for people to act on dangerous impulses.

What Happens Next

Robert King is now facing a federal criminal charge that could land him in prison if he’s convicted. The case is being closely watched as it unfolds in court. Prosecutors will likely argue that his posts were not just idle threats but real dangers to public safety.

His defense, on the other hand, may claim he was just venting online and never intended to follow through. That’s often the line drawn in cases like this—was it just talk, or was there a plan to act?

Why It Matters

This story hits on a larger issue: the fine line between free speech and criminal threats. As online platforms become the primary space for political expression and outrage, the challenge for law enforcement is knowing when someone crosses into dangerous territory.

For now, authorities are urging people to think before they post—and to report anything they see that could suggest someone might actually do harm.

“Threats like this aren’t just words anymore,” an FBI spokesperson said. “They have real-world consequences—for the people targeted, and for those who make them.”