Death Threats Rock Disney During VP Visit

Man in a suit with a thoughtful expression.

Federal prosecutors have arrested a 22-year-old California man for allegedly posting death threats against Vice President JD Vance on Disney’s official Instagram account during the VP’s family vacation at Disneyland, demonstrating that the Biden-era culture of political violence continues to threaten our nation’s leaders.

Story Highlights

Marco Antonio Aguayo posted pipe bomb threats on Disney’s Instagram while VP Vance visited Disneyland with his family
Federal agencies swiftly tracked the suspect through digital forensics, visiting his apartment within five hours
Attorney General Pamela Bondi vows swift justice against “deranged criminals” targeting public officials
Aguayo faces up to five years in federal prison for threats against the President and successors

Swift Federal Response to Social Media Threats

Marco Antonio Aguayo of Anaheim, California, was arrested Friday on federal charges for allegedly posting threatening comments on Disney’s official Instagram account on July 12, 2025. The threats came precisely when Vice President JD Vance and his family were visiting Disneyland Resort, suggesting either advance knowledge of the visit or opportunistic threat-making. Federal investigators demonstrated impressive capabilities by tracing the Instagram account to Aguayo’s personal information within hours of the posts.

The Secret Service, FBI, and Anaheim Police Department quickly responded to the threats, which referenced pipe bombs and violent action against “corrupt politicians.” Investigators used digital forensics to trace the threatening Instagram account through Meta and Google records, identifying Aguayo’s email addresses, phone numbers, IP addresses, and home address. This rapid identification shows how federal agencies can pierce through perceived online anonymity when protecting high-ranking officials.

Attorney General Bondi Takes Strong Stand

Attorney General Pamela Bondi issued a forceful statement condemning the threats and promising swift justice. “This case is a horrific reminder of the dangers public officials face from deranged criminals who would do them harm,” Bondi declared. Her comments highlight the ongoing security challenges facing the Trump administration and the need for robust protection of constitutional governance. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli echoed these sentiments, warning potential threat-makers that federal authorities will track them down.

The case proceeds through the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, where Aguayo faces a single federal charge of threats against the President and successors to the Presidency. Court records indicate Aguayo has not yet retained legal counsel, and his initial appearance is scheduled for Tuesday, January 20, 2026. The timing coincides with the continued threats against Vice President Vance, suggesting a pattern of targeting that undermines the peaceful transfer of power and constitutional order.

Broader Security Implications for Conservative Leaders

This incident reflects a troubling pattern of threats against conservative leaders, particularly Vice President Vance, who has faced multiple security challenges since assuming office. The use of Disney’s official social media platform amplified the visibility and potential impact of the threats, reaching thousands of users on a family-oriented platform. This weaponization of mainstream social media against constitutional officials demonstrates how radical elements continue exploiting digital platforms to intimidate legitimate government.

Federal prosecutors are explicitly using this case as a deterrent, sending a clear message that online threats against public officials will face serious consequences. Aguayo initially denied involvement before admitting to the posts, claiming they were intended as a “joke” to provoke attention. This dismissive attitude toward threats against the Vice President reflects the broader cultural degradation where political violence has become normalized. If convicted, Aguayo faces up to five years in federal prison, establishing important precedent for protecting conservative leaders from digital intimidation campaigns.