A 45-year-old man from Portland has been federally charged for making violent threats against law enforcement officers and their families, according to recent court filings. John Paul Cupp is accused of hurling insults at law enforcement at an ICE facility in South Portland on October 14, while also making explicit threats to kill officers and sexually assault their wives. These allegations were corroborated by the FBI, which described Cupp as a frequent poster of online content, often featuring aggressive rhetoric, antisemitic threats, and calls for war against the United States. The suspect’s actions continued into November, with Cupp uploading a video online on the 3rd of the month which reiterated the same threats toward federal agents and their wives. Furthermore, on the 13th of November, he posted additional violent threats against the families of law enforcement officers. The FBI has stated that the agency is committed to fighting extremism and ensuring the safety of all communities.
FBI Director Kash Patel emphasized the agency’s commitment to combating extremism, stating that anyone threatening law enforcement or their families will face the full weight of the federal government’s legal system. In a statement, U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford underscored the office’s dedication to holding accountable those who threaten and intimidate law enforcement. Acting FBI Special Agent Matt Torres echoed these sentiments, asserting that such threats have no place in society and that the FBI will utilize all available investigative tools to identify and arrest individuals using violent rhetoric. The case underscores the FBI’s ongoing efforts to address online extremism and protect public safety, highlighting the serious consequences of threats against law enforcement.