John Paul Cupp, a 45-year-old man from Portland, has been charged with making violent threats against law enforcement officers and their families following an incident at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) building in South Portland. According to court documents, Cupp hurled insults at law enforcement officers on October 14 as they approached a crowd, during which he allegedly threatened to kill officers, sexually assault their wives, and harm their children. These threats have been deemed serious by federal authorities, who are now pursuing charges against Cupp for his alleged actions.
The FBI has stated that Cupp is a prolific producer of online content, regularly posting aggressive rhetoric, antisemitic threats, and calls for violence. His alleged threats were reiterated in a video posted online on November 3, 2025, which the FBI claims included explicit calls for violence against federal agents and their families. According to the FBI, Cupp also continued posting violent threats online on November 13, 2025, reinforcing the severity of the situation.
FBI Director Kash Patel, speaking to Fox News Digital, emphasized the agency’s commitment to combating extremism and ensuring that individuals who threaten law enforcement face the full weight of the federal government. Patel stated that the FBI will use all investigative tools available to identify and remove violent extremists from communities. In a statement, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon Scott E. Bradford also denounced threats of violence against law enforcement, stating that such behavior will not be tolerated. He reiterated the office’s commitment to prosecuting criminal threats to the fullest extent of the law.
Acting FBI Portland Special Agent in Charge Matt Torres echoed these sentiments, stating that threats against law enforcement have absolutely no place in society. Torres warned that attempts to intimidate those sworn to protect the American people and uphold the Constitution degrade efforts to ensure public safety. The FBI has pledged to use all investigative means to seek out and arrest anyone using violent rhetoric to express themselves, reinforcing its stance on maintaining community safety.
This case has generated significant attention, with public officials and law enforcement agencies expressing their firm stance on the matter. The implications of such threats extend beyond the individual involved, raising broader concerns about the safety of law enforcement personnel and their families, as well as the potential for increased vigilance and counter-extremist measures within the community.