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A Kentucky man has been arrested by federal authorities after allegedly issuing violent threats against former President Donald Trump, including a disturbing message in which he threatened to “pull skin off” and feed it to stray dogs, according to court documents and law enforcement officials.

The arrest, made by the FBI in Lexington, Kentucky, on April 18, 2026, followed an investigation into a series of online posts deemed credible threats against the former president. The suspect, identified as 34-year-old Daniel Ray Moultrie of Louisville, was taken into custody without incident and charged with transmitting threats in interstate commerce, a federal offense under Title 18, U.S. Code § 875(c).

According to the criminal complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky, Moultrie used multiple social media platforms and encrypted messaging apps over a two-week period in early April to post messages targeting Trump. One post, dated April 5, read: “I’m gonna pull his skin off while he’s still alive and feed it to the stray dogs behind Mar-a-Lago. Nobody’s gonna miss him.” Another message, sent April 10, stated: “Trump thinks he’s untouchable. I’ll show him what real pain looks like — slow, messy, and public.”

FBI agents traced the communications to Moultrie’s residence through IP address metadata and device identifiers linked to his accounts. A search of his home yielded digital evidence, including screenshots of the threatening messages and notes referencing Trump’s public appearances and travel schedule. No weapons or explosives were found during the search, officials said.

Moultrie made his initial appearance before a federal magistrate judge in Lexington on April 19. He was detained pending a preliminary hearing scheduled for April 25. His public defender entered a not guilty plea on his behalf. If convicted, Moultrie faces up to five years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000.

The case underscores ongoing concerns about the rise of violent rhetoric directed at public figures, particularly former elected officials. While threats against sitting presidents are routinely investigated by the Secret Service, threats against former presidents fall under FBI jurisdiction when they involve interstate communication, as was the case here.

Trump’s legal team did not issue a public statement regarding the threat. However, a spokesperson for the former president’s office confirmed that he was briefed on the incident and that his security detail remains in close coordination with federal law enforcement agencies. The Secret Service, which continues to protect Trump under former president protection authority, declined to comment on specific threats but affirmed its commitment to investigating all credible dangers to protectees.

Legal experts note that while offensive or inflammatory speech is protected under the First Amendment, true threats — defined as statements where the speaker intends to communicate a serious expression of an intent to commit unlawful violence — are not protected. Courts have repeatedly upheld convictions under § 875(c) when messages demonstrate a clear intent to harm, regardless of whether the threat was ultimately carried out.

Moultrie has no prior criminal record, according to Kentucky court databases. Neighbors described him as reclusive but not overtly hostile. One resident, who asked to remain anonymous, said Moultrie had posted political content online for years but had recently become more agitated following Trump’s announcements about a potential 2028 presidential campaign.

The FBI continues to analyze Moultrie’s digital footprint for any signs of coordination with others or intent to act on the threats. As of April 20, no evidence of an imminent plot or accomplices has been found. The case remains under active investigation, with prosecutors reviewing whether additional charges — such as interstate stalking or conspiracy — may be warranted.

This arrest adds to a growing number of federal cases involving threats against public officials in the United States. In 2025, the FBI reported a 22% increase in threat-related investigations involving former presidents, members of Congress, and federal judges compared to the previous year. Officials attribute the rise in part to heightened political polarization and the proliferation of unmoderated online platforms where violent rhetoric can spread rapidly.

Authorities urge the public to report any threatening language directed at public figures to law enforcement or through the FBI’s tip line. While free speech protections remain robust, officials emphasize that crossing into true threats carries serious legal consequences.