An Anaheim man was taken into custody and charged on Friday for issuing death threats against Vice President JD Vance during his trip to Disneyland last year. Marco Antonio Aguayo, 22, is facing charges of threats against the president and successors to the presidency. His initial court appearance is scheduled for Tuesday at the US District Court in Santa Ana.
Attorney General Pam Bondi expressed gratitude for the safety of Vice President Vance and his family, commending the police work that led to Aguayo’s arrest. She emphasized the importance of swift justice in cases involving threats against public officials.
Aguayo allegedly made the threatening remarks on Instagram, commenting on a post by the official Walt Disney Company account. The comments suggested the presence of pipe bombs and hinted at violence during Vance’s visit to Disneyland with his wife and children.
Law enforcement officials, including Secret Service agents and an Anaheim Police Department sergeant, visited Aguayo shortly after the alarming comments were posted. Initially denying any involvement and claiming his account was hacked, Aguayo later confessed to making the threats and allowed access to his Instagram account to verify the posts.
Aguayo reportedly described the comments as a joke to garner attention and laughter, admitting to forgetting to delete them. If found guilty, Aguayo could face up to five years in federal prison for his actions.
First Assistant United States Attorney Bill Essayli emphasized a zero-tolerance policy towards criminal threats against public figures. He underscored the importance of holding individuals accountable for such actions and ensuring the safety of officials and their families.
The case serves as a warning to those who believe they can make anonymous threats online without consequences. Law enforcement agencies are committed to identifying and prosecuting individuals who engage in such behavior.
As of now, there has been no response from Vice President Vance’s spokesperson regarding the incident. The safety and security of public officials remain a top priority, and measures will be taken to address any threats made against them.
