ANTIFA-Linked Coast Guard Sharpshooter Arrested Over Trump Assassination Plot

Paul Riverbank, 6/17/2025Former Coast Guard sharpshooter arrested for alleged Trump assassination threats spanning five years.

Let me break this down for you. Peter Stinson, who spent 33 years in the Coast Guard, wasn't just making casual comments online. His alleged threats, spanning five years, showed an escalating pattern that should've raised red flags much earlier. What's especially concerning is how his military background – including recognition as a sharpshooter – adds a chilling dimension to these threats.

I've been digging through the court documents, and something jumped out at me. Stinson's social media activity following the Butler assassination attempt wasn't just commentary – it revealed tactical thinking. When he wrote about execution being "critical," he was drawing on his military expertise. This isn't your typical keyboard warrior spouting off online.

Here's what's particularly worrying: Stinson's alleged use of the "8647" code – a reference that gained notoriety after James Comey's controversial post – suggests he was deeply embedded in anti-Trump online communities. The fact that he made at least 13 posts with this number on Bluesky points to a sustained campaign rather than impulsive behavior.

But let's put this in broader context. The Secret Service faces an unprecedented challenge in the social media era. When I started covering political security in the early 2000s, threats were easier to track. Now, they're dealing with a flood of online content across dozens of platforms. Stinson's case highlights how difficult it is to separate serious threats from inflammatory rhetoric.

His self-identification as an Antifa member adds another layer to this story. While political violence can come from any ideology, the combination of military training and extremist beliefs presents unique challenges for law enforcement.

Looking ahead, Wednesday's court appearance will be crucial. But the bigger question remains: How do we balance free speech with presidential security in an age where social media can turn violent rhetoric viral in seconds?

This isn't just about one former Coast Guard lieutenant. It's about our broader national security infrastructure and its readiness to handle threats from individuals with military backgrounds and technical expertise. As this case unfolds, we'll be watching closely to see how our justice system responds.

The arrest of a former Coast Guard lieutenant for allegedly threatening former President Trump reveals troubling gaps in our national security apparatus that we simply can't ignore. As someone who's covered political violence for over two decades, I find this case particularly disturbing.Let me break this down for you. Peter Stinson, who spent 33 years in the Coast Guard, wasn't just making casual comments online. His alleged threats, spanning five years, showed an escalating pattern that should've raised red flags much earlier. What's especially concerning is how his military background – including recognition as a sharpshooter – adds a chilling dimension to these threats.I've been digging through the court documents, and something jumped out at me. Stinson's social media activity following the Butler assassination attempt wasn't just commentary – it revealed tactical thinking. When he wrote about execution being "critical," he was drawing on his military expertise. This isn't your typical keyboard warrior spouting off online.Here's what's particularly worrying: Stinson's alleged use of the "8647" code – a reference that gained notoriety after James Comey's controversial post – suggests he was deeply embedded in anti-Trump online communities. The fact that he made at least 13 posts with this number on Bluesky points to a sustained campaign rather than impulsive behavior.But let's put this in broader context. The Secret Service faces an unprecedented challenge in the social media era. When I started covering political security in the early 2000s, threats were easier to track. Now, they're dealing with a flood of online content across dozens of platforms. Stinson's case highlights how difficult it is to separate serious threats from inflammatory rhetoric.His self-identification as an Antifa member adds another layer to this story. While political violence can come from any ideology, the combination of military training and extremist beliefs presents unique challenges for law enforcement.Looking ahead, Wednesday's court appearance will be crucial. But the bigger question remains: How do we balance free speech with presidential security in an age where social media can turn violent rhetoric viral in seconds?This isn't just about one former Coast Guard lieutenant. It's about our broader national security infrastructure and its readiness to handle threats from individuals with military backgrounds and technical expertise. As this case unfolds, we'll be watching closely to see how our justice system responds.