Lucy Devine
A man has been charged after allegedly sending threats against Vice President JD Vance during a family trip to Disneyland last year.
Marco Antonio Aguayo, 22, from California, allegedly shared messages where he claimed that pipe bombs had been planted at the theme park on the day that Vance was at the resort with his family.
Aguayo was charged on Wednesday (January 14) after being taken into custody on Friday afternoon.
He now faces the single charge of threats against the President and successors to the Presidency. If convicted, he could face up to 5 years in federal prison.
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Vance and his family had been staying at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim in July 2025 when the alleged messages were posted.
According to the Los Angeles Times, news of Vance’s visit to the theme park quickly spread on social media after Air Force 2 was spotted landing at John Wayne Airport on July 12.
An arrest affidavit explains that Aguayo had shared comments on The Walt Disney Company's Instagram page, allegedly writing: "Pipe bombs have been placed in preparation for J.D. Vance's arrival."
Before adding moments later: "It's time for us to rise up and you will be a witness to it."
Prosecutors claim that the messages then ended with one that was described as 'overtly violent' in its nature.
"Good luck finding all of them on time there will be bloodshed tonight and we will bathe in the blood of corrupt politicians," he allegedly added.
After law enforcement tracked down Aguayo later that day, he was reportedly questioned at his apartment, where he initially denied writing the messages and suggested his social media account may have been hacked.
However, he later admitted to writing the posts on the page, investigators say, explaining he told law enforcement that he 'intended it merely as a joke to provoke attention and laughter'.
"We will not tolerate criminal threats against public officials," said Bill Essayli, the First Assistant US Attorney for the Central District of California.
"We are grateful the Vice President and his family remained safe during their visit. Let this case be a warning to anyone who thinks they can make anonymous online threats. We will find you and bring you to justice."
“This case is a horrific reminder of the dangers public officials face from deranged criminals who would do them harm,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi.
“I am grateful that my friend Vice President Vance and his family are safe, applaud the police work that led to the arrest, and will ensure my prosecutors deliver swift justice.”
According to the United States Attorney's Office, the US Secret Service is conducting an investigation alongside the FBI and Anaheim Police Department.
Aguayo is expected to make an initial appearance on Tuesday (January 20) in the United States District Court in Santa Ana.