A Portland man has been charged with making violent threats against law enforcement officers and their families after allegedly posting online content that includes threats to kill officers and sexually assault their wives at an ICE facility. The FBI has labeled the suspect, John Paul Cupp, 45, as a prolific producer of online content that includes aggressive rhetoric, calls for war against the United States, antisemitic threats, and threats of violence, according to a statement from the FBI.
Cupp is accused of making violent threats at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) building in South Portland and is facing federal charges for making threats against a federal law enforcement officer. According to court filings, Cupp hurled insults at law enforcement officers on Oct. 31, 2024, as they approached a crowd. The documents state that he threatened to kill law enforcement officers, sexually assault their wives, and harm their children.
The FBI has also noted that Cupp posted a video online on November 3, 2025, reiterating the same threats to federal agents and their wives. On November 13, 2025, the suspect continued posting violent threats online to officers and their families, according to the filings. FBI Director Kash Patel told Fox News Digital that the agency is committed to fighting extremism and that individuals who threaten to kill law enforcement officers or harm their families will face the full weight of the federal government.
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. He emphasized that the U.S. Attorney’s Office remains committed to holding those accountable who threaten and intimidate those who protect our communities, and that they will continue to prosecute criminal threats of violence to the fullest extent of the law.
Similarly, Acting FBI Portland Special Agent in Charge Matt Torres stated that threats against law enforcement have absolutely no place in our community. He said that attempts to intimidate those sworn to protect the American people and uphold our Constitution degrade efforts to keep all of us safe. Torres added that the FBI will use all investigative means available to them to seek out and arrest anyone using violent rhetoric to express themselves.