A chilling threat against Vice President JD Vance has triggered a federal investigation, stemming from a disturbing post on a social media platform. The message, stark in its simplicity, called for the Vice President’s assassination.
The threat originated on Bluesky, a platform known for attracting users with progressive viewpoints. A user with the handle hanslopez.bsky.social bluntly stated: “It’s simple, we kill JD Vance.” The post quickly drew attention and prompted immediate action from law enforcement.
The individual behind the account was identified as a volunteer DJ at WUML, a radio station affiliated with the University of Massachusetts Lowell. WUML, established in 1952, serves as a local and online broadcaster, championing alternative music and progressive perspectives.
The threat appeared as a response to a claim circulating online regarding the Vice President’s views on international relations. The original post alleged Vance believed Britain and France could potentially be adversaries to the United States, sparking the volatile reaction.
University of Massachusetts Lowell police acted swiftly, immediately alerting the FBI, Secret Service, and local authorities in Haverhill, the DJ’s hometown. While investigators determined there was no *imminent* danger, a full investigation remains underway.
Following the uproar, the DJ voluntarily resigned from his position at WUML and removed the offending post from his Bluesky account. The university itself issued a strong condemnation of the threat, emphasizing its commitment to safety and democratic values.
UMass Lowell officials stated they take any threat of violence extremely seriously, and that such statements are fundamentally at odds with the principles of both the university and the nation. They confirmed a thorough assessment was conducted in collaboration with federal partners.
As of now, no arrests have been made, but the Secret Service investigation continues to gather information and assess the situation. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential for online rhetoric to escalate into real-world threats.