Butler Man Sentenced to Four Years of Prison for Threatening to Assault and Murder President Trump, Other U.S. Officials, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agents

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Butler, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to four years of imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for his conviction on charges related to his threats to assault and murder United States President Donald J. Trump, other United States officials, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced.

United States District Judge W. Scott Hardy imposed the sentence on Shawn Monper, 33. Monper pleaded guilty in April to two counts of threatening to assault and murder United States officials and federal law enforcement officers with the intent to impede, intimidate, interfere with, and retaliate against the officials and agents on account of, and while engaged in, the performance of official duties. As part of his plea agreement, Monper also accepted responsibility for the other counts for which he was charged.

"The United States Attorney's Office and law enforcement within this district take threats against public servants and law enforcement very seriously," said United States Attorney Rivetti. "The speed with which Monper was identified, charged, arrested, and detained before he had the opportunity to act on his violent threats demonstrates our joint commitment to protecting those who serve our country. The sentence imposed not only ensures that Monper will be in prison and under judicial supervision for years to come, but also sends a strong message to deter others from making such threats."

"Serious offenses will be met with serious consequences. Today's sentencing proves anyone threatening elected officials and law enforcement will not be able to hide behind a profile name," said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Richard Evanchec. "When speech crosses a line into threats, FBI Pittsburgh and our partners will use every available resource to track down those responsible and hold them accountable to the fullest extent of the law."

According to information presented to the Court, on April 8, 2025, the Federal Bureau of Investigation's National Threat Operations Section received an emergency disclosure regarding threats posted to YouTube by user "Mr Satan." A subsequent federal investigation confirmed that the internet activity associated with "Mr Satan" corresponded with Monper's residence in the Western District of Pennsylvania and revealed that Monper sought and obtained a firearms permit shortly following President Trump's inauguration. In February 2025, Monper commented using his "Mr Satan" account: "I have bought several guns and been stocking up on ammo since Trump got in office." Further, in March 2025, Monper commented using his account: "Eventually im going to do a mass shooting." One week later, Monper commented: "I have been buying 1 gun a month since the election, body armor, and ammo."

Investigators determined that Monper posted several threatening statements regarding President Trump, other United States officials, and ICE agents during the period between January 15, 2025, and April 5, 2025, including, in February: "Nah, we just need to start killing people, Trump, Elon, all the heads of agencies Trump appointed, and anyone who stands in the way;" in early March: "im going to assassinate him myself" during a YouTube video titled "Live: Trump's address to Congress;" in mid-March: "ICE are terrorist people, we need to start killing them;" and then, in early April: "If I see an armed ice agent, I will consider it a domestic terrorist, and an active shooter and open fire on them."

In imposing sentence, Judge Hardy described Monper's actions as "extremely serious criminal conduct" and stated that the sentence demonstrates that "such conduct will not be tolerated and will be answered with serious consequences."

Assistant United States Attorney Brendan J. McKenna prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States.

United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Butler Township Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Monper.