
Ex-Coast Guard Officer on GPS Detention for Trump Threats
Federal judge places ex-Coast Guard officer Peter Stinson under home detention with GPS monitoring after alleged threats to President Trump.
Federal Court Imposes Monitoring Amid Ongoing Threat Investigation
A federal judge has ordered former U.S. Coast Guard lieutenant Peter Stinson to remain under home detention and GPS monitoring following allegations that he made numerous threats against President Donald Trump on various social media platforms over the last five years. The decision came after a hearing in which the court weighed the gravity of the accusations against the need to safeguard Stinson’s rights.
Stinson, 63, of Virginia, served as an officer in the Coast Guard from 1988 to 2021, earning expert marksman ribbons and working as a FEMA instructor. Prosecutors allege that Stinson posted violent threats targeting President Trump on platforms including X, Reddit, and Bluesky. In some posts, he reportedly suggested that “someone should take the shot,” but later claimed he lacked the necessary skills to carry out such acts, raising further questions about his intentions.
During the hearing, Judge Ivan Davis stated he did not believe Stinson’s release, subject to strict home confinement and electronic tracking, would pose a threat to the community. Stinson, dressed in a green prison jumpsuit, consulted with his attorneys throughout the proceedings.
Stinson’s defense argued that much of his online rhetoric amounted to political hyperbole, which is protected under the First Amendment, and emphasized that the relevant statute requires specific evidence of a credible threat. Judge Davis appeared to support the defense’s position, noting the government had not yet met the burden of probable cause and granting prosecutors until next Wednesday to submit further written arguments.
An FBI task force affidavit filed last week detailed a series of alleged posts by Stinson, some referencing high-profile crimes and others describing potential violent acts against the president involving firearms, poisoning, or knives. The affidavit also cited Stinson’s references to “8647,” thought to allude to an Instagram post by former FBI Director James Comey, and statements of self-identification with ANTIFA.
In one of the posts from February 2, Stinson allegedly wrote, “This is war. Sides will be drawn. Antifa always wins in the end. Violence is inherently necessary.” The most recent alleged post, on June 11, stated, “When he dies, the party is going to be yuge.”
Prosecutors contend that Stinson’s military background and online comments represent a potential risk, particularly in the polarized climate surrounding national security and presidential safety. However, the court’s approach reflects the challenge of distinguishing constitutionally protected speech from criminal threats in the digital age.
As the case moves forward, prosecutors must file additional briefs to clarify their arguments. Stinson will remain on home detention under GPS surveillance while the investigation continues, highlighting the balance courts must maintain between public safety and constitutional freedoms.