The FBI arrested a Portland man after prosecutors say he made graphic threats against Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers and their families, posted violent messages online, and repeatedly promoted extremist rhetoric that targeted law enforcement and the rule of law.
Federal authorities say John Paul Cupp, 45, stood outside the ICE building in South Portland and issued threats on Oct. 14, then amplified those messages on social media. The case moved quickly into federal court after agents reviewed his posts and public videos. This is a stark reminder that violent threats against officers are treated as a serious federal matter.
‘Cupp is a prolific producer of online content and regularly posts aggressive rhetoric, calls for war against the United States, antisemitic threats, and threats of violence.’
“Cupp threatened to kill law enforcement officers, sexually assault their wives, and harm their children,” the FBI statement from a post on social media. Officials say he posted a video on Nov. 3 repeating the same violent language, then uploaded another clip on Nov. 13. Lawmakers and law-enforcement advocates on the right will point out that clear, violent threats demand swift federal intervention.
“If you threaten to kill law enforcement officers or harm their families, you will face the full weight of the federal government,” FBI Director Kash Patel said to Fox News Digital. That plain warning signals a no-nonsense approach to threats targeting public servants. Republican voices are likely to emphasize backing investigators and protecting officers from intimidation and violence.
https://x.com/FBIPortland/status/1993098469972525178
The FBI released screenshots from Cupp’s social posts where he wrote, “Allaahu akbar, power to the people,” and appeared to call for political violence. Prosecutors say he also posted lines about martyrdom and glorifying violent resistance. Those statements, when paired with direct threats, create a dangerous mix that agencies are bound to pursue.
“An effective revolutionary must yearn in tears for martyrdom,” Cupp wrote in another from his social media. The rhetoric crosses from contrarian political speech into targeted incitement and threats, which federal statutes can address. Republicans will argue there must be consequences for turning online rage into real-world danger.
The court arraignment on Monday marked the next step in a legal process that aims to evaluate intent, capability, and risk to the public. Federal prosecutors typically gather digital evidence, witness statements, and any surveillance material to build a case. For the public and officials alike, the priority is preventing escalation and protecting families of officers who serve in difficult roles.
Beyond the criminal case, the episode highlights how social media amplifies violent voices and how law enforcement must adapt to track and stop threats before they are acted on. Conservatives will stress support for investigators, better coordination between local and federal agencies, and tougher enforcement against violent extremists. The goal is straightforward: keep communities and those who enforce the law safe, and hold accountable anyone who crosses the line from speech into criminal threat.
