A former Marine and Republican write-in candidate for Congress in Florida has been arrested on a federal charge accusing him of threatening to kill President Donald Trump.
William L. Upham, 35, of Jacksonville, appeared Thursday in federal court and was ordered detained, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison.
Public records identify Upham as a write-in candidate in the Republican primary for Florida’s 5th Congressional District, which includes Jacksonville and surrounding parts of northeast Florida.
Federal prosecutors said the U.S. Secret Service opened an investigation after receiving reports about alleged threats Upham had made against Trump. Agents reviewed two videos allegedly posted on Upham’s social media accounts, in which he appeared wearing a military uniform and called for the Trump administration to be overthrown, according to the criminal complaint.
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The complaint alleges that Upham described Trump as an enemy and used religious language to justify violent statements. Prosecutors also said investigators found a communication Upham allegedly sent to a third party in which he claimed he had made the videos to “declare war” against Trump and said he would kill the president at a time chosen by God.
Because the case involves allegations of political violence, the details should be handled carefully. The complaint says Upham discussed firearms and military-style tactics in the videos. Those details are part of the government’s probable-cause argument, but they should not be repeated unnecessarily in a way that could amplify or normalize violent instructions.
Federal officials said the Secret Service also learned that Upham had access to firearms and had made concerning statements to law enforcement earlier this month. The case was investigated by the Secret Service and the FBI and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelli Swaney.
Upham is a former Marine and former state prosecutor, according to the Justice Department. The criminal complaint is only a formal accusation, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
The charge falls under a federal law that prohibits threats against the president. Prosecutors do not have to prove that a defendant was capable of immediately carrying out a threat, but they generally must show that the statement was a “true threat” rather than protected political speech, exaggeration or rhetorical expression.
That distinction is likely to be important if the case proceeds. Harsh criticism of a president is protected by the First Amendment. Direct threats of violence are not.
The arrest comes during a period of heightened concern about threats against public officials, campaign workers, judges and law enforcement officers. Trump has faced multiple security scares across his political career, and federal agencies have repeatedly warned that violent rhetoric can increase risks to elected officials and the public.
The case also raises questions for Florida Republicans because Upham was seeking public office, even as a write-in candidate. His campaign status does not make the allegations more or less serious legally, but it adds a political dimension because the alleged statements were tied to a person presenting himself as a candidate for federal office.
Why It Matters
Threats against elected officials can undermine democratic politics by making campaigns and public service more dangerous. They can also force law enforcement agencies to divert major resources toward protective investigations.
At the same time, cases involving political speech must be handled carefully. Prosecutors will need to show that the alleged statements crossed the legal line from extreme rhetoric into a true threat.
What Comes Next
Upham will remain in custody while the federal case proceeds unless a court later orders otherwise. Prosecutors may seek an indictment, and defense attorneys could challenge whether the alleged statements meet the legal standard for a criminal threat.
The court will also likely review evidence from the social media videos, communications described in the complaint, witness tips and any information about access to weapons.
The U.S. Marines said William Upham no longer represents the service and condemned the alleged statements.
Unacceptable. William Upham is no longer a Marine and does not represent our values or ethos. https://t.co/VdCQTGCpa4
— Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao (@SECNAV) July 15, 2026
