California Man Charged For Targeting VP Vance And His Family

Federal authorities arrested a 22-year-old Anaheim resident on charges related to online threats made against Vice President JD Vance during a family visit to Disneyland last July.

Marco Antonio Aguayo was taken into custody on Friday following an investigation led by the U.S. Secret Service, with assistance from the FBI and Anaheim Police Department.

According to a federal criminal complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, Aguayo posted multiple comments on Disney’s official Instagram account while the family was visiting. These messages included claims that pipe bombs had been placed throughout the park in preparation for Vance’s arrival.

“Pipe bombs have been placed in preparation for J.D. Vance’s arrival,” one of the comments read. “It’s time for us to rise up and you will be a witness to it,” said another. Another July 12 post claimed “there will be bloodshed tonight” and “we will bathe in the blood of corrupt politicians,” according to a report from KTLA.

Investigators ultimately determined that there were no explosive devices in the park and that the reports were fraudulent.

Aguayo, who lives in Anaheim near the resort, reportedly learned of Vance’s visit through public reports or social media. During questioning by authorities, he admitted to making the posts but stated that he had considered deleting them and ultimately forgot to do so, prosecutors said.

No further details about Aguayo’s background, such as prior criminal history or employment, were included in the public filings.

Aguayo faces a single federal charge of making threats against the president and successors to the presidency. If convicted, he could face up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. He is scheduled to make his initial court appearance in Santa Ana on January 20, 2026.

In a statement, U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California Bill Essayli said that Aguayo was now “in the unhappiest place on earth.”

“A threat to kill a public official is a federal crime. First Amendment rights do not extend to threats to kill or injure others, especially our nation’s elected officials. Such conduct will not be tolerated and will not go unpunished,” he added.

Marco Antonio Aguayo, 22, of Anaheim, is now in the Unhappiest Place on Earth.

Today, Aguayo was arrested and charged with threatening to kill @VP Vance with pipe bombs last summer when the Vice President and his family visited Disneyland.

If convicted, Aguayo faces up to five… pic.twitter.com/5xwxURSlUk

— F.A. United States Attorney Bill Essayli (@USAttyEssayli) January 17, 2026

“This case is a horrific reminder of the dangers public officials face from deranged criminals who would do them harm,” said Attorney General Pam Bondi. “I am grateful that my friend Vice President Vance and his family are safe, applaud the police work that led to the arrest, and will ensure my prosecutors deliver swift justice.”

The arrest comes just days after an Ohio man allegedly used a hammer to break several windows at Vice President Vance’s home in Cincinnati, Ohio. Vance and his family were not present, as they were in Washington, D.C., at the time.

The suspect in that incident, identified as 26-year-old William D. DeFoor, a transgender individual, has a documented history of mental health issues and has racked up several arrests for vandalism and trespassing-related crimes. The incident caused approximately $28,000 in damage to government-enhanced security features on the property, prosecutors said.

DeFoor faces federal charges including damaging government property, engaging in physical violence in a restricted area, and assaulting or impeding federal officers, with a potential sentence of up to 30 years if convicted. He is also facing a number of state charges relating to vandalism and trespassing.

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