Texas Man Receives Federal Prison Sentence for Threatening to Kill ICE Agents

According to court documents, this was one of several politically themed violent threats King posted on social media.

U.S. District Judge Brantley Starr sentenced King to 17 months in federal prison, followed by two years of supervised release.

“There is no place for political violence in this country, and that includes hiding behind a keyboard to threaten the lives of the men and women who serve in federal law enforcement,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould. “Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents perform critical duties for our nation, and they should never have to fear for their own lives or the safety of their families simply for doing their jobs. Those who attempt to intimidate, harass, or threaten federal officials will be tracked down and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

“The FBI takes all threats of violence seriously. Online threats directed at federal law enforcement officers is a federal crime and carries serious consequences,” said FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock. “We would like to thank our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners that contributed to the outcome of this investigation. Law enforcement’s collaborative effort ensured this offender was held accountable for his actions.”

“Threats of violence against federal law enforcement officers are not protected speech; it is a criminal act that will be taken seriously and investigated thoroughly,” said HSI Dallas Deputy Special Agent in Charge Antwoine Jones. “This sentence sends a clear message that those who threaten officers or attempt to intimidate them from performing their lawful responsibilities will be held accountable.”

“This sentence sends a strong message that political violence will not be tolerated and those who threaten members of law enforcement will be held accountable,” said U.S. Secret Service Dallas Field Office Special Agent in Charge Christina Foley. “Through strong partnerships with our federal, state and local counterparts—and by leveraging our unique technical and investigative capabilities—we remain committed to bringing to justice those who threaten the safety and lives of others.”

The FBI, Homeland Security Investigations and the U.S. Secret Service conducted the investigation with assistance from the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Kaufman County Sheriff’s Office and the McKinney Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas Brasher prosecuted the case.