William Upham, a 35-year-old former marine and Republican write-in candidate for the US House representing Florida’s fifth congressional district, was arrested and charged in federal court on Thursday, July 16, 2026, for threatening to kill former President Donald Trump.

Upham appeared in federal court in Jacksonville, Florida, where he remained in custody. Attorney Gregory Kehoe announced the charges in a press release, noting Upham is also a former state prosecutor.

The investigation began after the Secret Service received reports of potential threats made by Upham against Trump. Authorities reviewed two videos Upham posted on social media. In one video, Upham, wearing his military uniform, called for the overthrow of the Trump administration and recommended using a semiautomatic rifle, such as an AR-15, stating that “the enemy” should be killed with “two shots to the chest” and “one shot to the head,” which he said would likely be fatal.

Religious beliefs appeared to motivate Upham, who said in the video that the Bible describes the antichrist as a ruler backed by Satan who demands worship. Federal authorities also uncovered a communication Upham allegedly sent to a third party stating he made the videos to “declare war” against Trump and that he would “kill President Trump at the time that God chooses.”

If convicted, Upham faces up to five years in federal prison.

Sources