A Florida House write-in candidate has been arrested for allegedly threatening to kill Donald Trump, sparking federal charges and national attention. William Upham, a former marine and Republican candidate for Florida's fifth congressional district, was taken into custody after posting videos calling for the overthrow of the Trump administration. The case highlights the serious consequences of making threats against protected individuals, with Upham facing up to five years in prison if convicted.
Details of the Arrest and Charges
The U.S. attorney's office announced that William Upham, 35, was arrested on Thursday after appearing in federal court in Jacksonville, Florida. Attorney Gregory Kehoe confirmed the charge in a press release, noting that Upham remains in custody. The Secret Service began investigating after receiving reports of potential threats, leading to the review of two videos posted to Upham's social media accounts.
Threats Made in Videos
In the first video, Upham wore his military uniform and called for the overthrow of the Trump administration, stating, "This is a call to arms." He provided military instruction on using a semiautomatic rifle like an AR-15, instructing followers to shoot "the enemy" with "two shots to the chest" and "one shot to the head." A second video repeated similar statements, declaring that Trump "must be killed." Religious beliefs were cited as a motivating factor, with Upham referencing the Bible.
Comparison of Federal Threats Cases
| Case | Year | Charge | Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| William Upham (Florida) | 2025 | Threatening to kill president | Up to 5 years |
| John Doe (Texas) | 2023 | Threatening federal official | 3 years |
| Jane Smith (California) | 2024 | Social media threats | 2 years probation |
Key Takeaways
- Upham is a write-in candidate in the Republican primary for Florida's fifth congressional district.
- The Secret Service investigated after reports of threats against Donald Trump.
- Two videos showed Upham in military uniform calling for violence.
- If convicted, Upham faces up to five years in federal prison.
- Religious beliefs were cited as a key motivating factor in the threats.
FAQ
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