John Paul Cupp, 45, a man from Portland, has been charged with making violent threats against law enforcement officers and their families at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in South Portland. The FBI has linked him to a history of online incitement, including antisemitic threats and calls for violence against U.S. agents. Law enforcement agencies have condemned the threats and vowed to take legal action against anyone who endangers public safety.
According to court filings, Cupp made explicit threats to kill law enforcement officers and sexually assault their wives during an incident on October 14. The FBI stated that these threats were part of a broader pattern, as Cupp is described as a prolific producer of online content that includes antisemitic remarks, calls for war, and threats of violence. The FBI Director, Kash Patel, reiterated the agency’s commitment to combating extremism, emphasizing that individuals who threaten public safety will face severe consequences.
Law enforcement agencies have taken a firm stance against the threats, with U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford stating that the U.S. Attorney’s Office will pursue legal action against those who intimidate those who protect communities. Acting FBI Portland Special Agent in Charge Matt Torres also condemned the threats, stating that attempts to intimidate law enforcement ‘degrade efforts to keep all of us safe.’ The FBI has pledged to use all investigative means to seek out and arrest anyone using violent rhetoric to express themselves.
This case is part of a broader trend of individuals using online platforms to spread violent rhetoric and antisemitic content. The FBI has been increasingly active in monitoring and prosecuting such behavior, with Director Patel emphasizing that the agency will not tolerate any threats against law enforcement or their families. The incident also draws attention to the challenges of addressing online extremism and the potential for such rhetoric to escalate into real-world violence.