A Minnesota Man's Online Threat Against a Top Official

A 30-year-old man from St. Paul, Minnesota, is facing legal trouble after allegedly posting a threatening message on TikTok targeting Pam Bondi, a high-ranking official.

The Threat

• The post included a picture of Bondi with a red dot on her forehead, resembling a target.
• It stated that she was "wanted, dead or alive" with a reward of $45,000.

Investigation & Arrest

• The post was reported to the FBI by someone in Detroit.
• The FBI traced the post to Tyler Maxon Avalos, who had a TikTok account with anarchist beliefs.
• Avalos has a criminal history, including a 2022 conviction for stalking and 2016 assault-related charges.

Legal Outcome

• Avalos appeared in court and was released on his own recognizance, meaning he did not have to pay bail but must appear for future court dates.
• The case highlights the seriousness of threats against public officials and the role of social media in spreading harmful messages.

Broader Implications

• Threats online can cause real fear and endanger lives.
• The FBI actively monitors social media for threats to public safety.