The Department of Justice has arrested and charged William Upham, a former Marine and write-in candidate for Congress in Florida, for threatening President Donald Trump. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida announced the charges on Thursday, stating that Upham could face up to five years in federal prison if convicted.
Upham, 35, from Jacksonville, Florida, made statements in a social media video claiming Trump is the Antichrist and asserting that he 'must be killed.' Following the emergence of these comments, the Marine Corps disavowed Upham, stating that his remarks violate the oath he took and do not align with the service's values.
In one video, Upham called for the overthrow of the Trump administration and suggested using semi-automatic rifles. He described the situation in the U.S. as a 'war with evil,' identifying Trump as the enemy. The Marine Corps acknowledged awareness of Upham's statements and reiterated their disapproval.
The DOJ's announcement of Upham's arrest came two days after the Marine Corps disavowed him. According to an affidavit from a U.S. Secret Service agent, Upham also sent an email to a reporter indicating he would 'kill President Trump at the time that God chooses.' U.S. Magistrate Judge Samuel J. Horovitz signed the complaint on Wednesday. Upham is running against incumbent Rep. John Rutherford (R-FL) and two other candidates in the Republican primary scheduled for August 18.