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A former U.S. Coast Guard lieutenant has been arrested for allegedly making threats to assassinate former President Donald Trump, according to newly filed court documents.
The suspect, Peter Stinson, a Virginia resident, served in the Coast Guard from 1988 until 2021. During his service, he was recognized as a sharpshooter and worked as an instructor for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
According to an affidavit submitted by a Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) task force officer, Stinson allegedly made a series of threatening and graphic posts across multiple social media platforms.
In one instance dated May 9, Stinson reportedly wrote that Trump needed to be “[L]uigied,” a reference to Luigi Mangione, the man accused of murdering United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson in 2023. Stinson’s threats reportedly involved violent language referencing firearms, poisoning, and knives.
Investigators also noted that Stinson had expressed doubt about his own ability to carry out such an act, stating he lacked “the necessary skills,” but suggested in the same breath that this might not be entirely true. The affidavit further alleges that Stinson repeatedly referenced the number “8647,” which authorities believe alludes to a cryptic Instagram post by former FBI Director James Comey. That post, widely interpreted in media reports as a veiled threat, had previously triggered a federal investigation.
“STINSON has since made 13 additional posts on Bluesky including the text, ‘8647’,” the court filing states.
Authorities also claim that Stinson has identified himself as a member of ANTIFA. In a February 2 post on X (formerly Twitter), he allegedly wrote: “Sure. This is war. Sides will be drawn. Antifa always wins in the end. Violence is inherently necessary.”
The most recent post cited in the affidavit was made on June 11 via Bluesky, where Stinson allegedly wrote: “When he dies, the party is going to be yuge.”
Stinson has been charged with making threats against the former president and is scheduled to make his initial appearance in federal court on Wednesday.
