Portland Man Accused of Threatening Law Enforcement and Their Families at ICE Facility
John Paul Cupp, 45, is facing federal charges after allegedly threatening to kill law enforcement officers and sexually assault their wives at an ICE facility in South Portland. The FBI and local authorities have condemned the threats, emphasizing that violence against officers and their families will not be tolerated. According to court filings, Cupp hurled insults at law enforcement officers on October 3 as they approached a crowd.
Cupp threatened to kill law enforcement officers, sexually assault their wives, and harm their children, the documents state. The FBI stated that the suspect is a prolific producer of online content, regularly posting aggressive rhetoric, calls for war against the United States, antisemitic threats, and threats of violence. FBI Director Kash Patel told Fox News Digital the agency is committed to fighting extremism. “If you threaten to kill law enforcement officers or harm their families, you will face the full weight of the federal government,” Patel said. “This FBI will use every investigative tool we have to identify violent extremists and remove them from our communities.”
In a statement, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon Scott E. Bradford said that threats of violence against law enforcement “will not be tolerated.” “The U.S. Attorney’s Office remains committed to holding those accountable who threaten and intimidate those who protect our communities, and we will continue to prosecute criminal threats of violence to the fullest extent of the law,” Bradford said. Acting FBI Portland Special Agent in Charge Matt Torres said in a statement that threats against law enforcement “have absolutely no place in our community.” “Attempts to intimidate those sworn to protect the American people and uphold our Constitution degrade efforts to keep all of us safe,” Torres said. “The FBI will use all investigative means available to us to seek out and arrest anyone using violent rhetoric to express themselves.”
The incident has sparked renewed discussions about the safety of law enforcement and the role of online platforms in spreading extremist rhetoric. Civil rights advocates have called for a balanced approach to addressing threats while ensuring freedom of speech. Meanwhile, local prosecutors and the FBI are focused on holding individuals accountable for any violence or intimidation directed at officers and their families. This case underscores the broader issue of threats against law enforcement and the need for stringent measures to prevent such acts.