Full Breakdown
Minnesota Man Arrested for Alleged Murder-for-Hire Plot Against Attorney General Pam Bondi
10/27/2025, 10:42:20 PM
Allegations and Arrest Details
Tyler Maxon Avalos, a 29-year-old resident of St. Paul, Minnesota, was arrested on October 16, 2023, after allegedly posting a TikTok video that offered a $45,000 bounty for the killing of U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi. The post, reported to the FBI on October 9 by a user in Detroit, featured a photo of Bondi with a "sniper-scope red dot" on her forehead and the text: "WANTED: Pam Bondi. DEAD OR ALIVE (PREFERABLY DEAD)." The accompanying caption read, "*cough cough* when they don't serve us then what?" This prompted an investigation by federal authorities.
The FBI traced Avalos's TikTok account, which included anarchist symbols and a link to an "Anarchist FAQ" book, through digital records from TikTok, Google, and Comcast. Avalos has a criminal history that includes a felony stalking conviction in July 2022 and a 2016 felony domestic battery conviction in Florida.
Background of the Suspect
Avalos's criminal record includes multiple violent offenses, such as a 2016 felony domestic assault charge that was reduced to a misdemeanor. His history of violence and anarchist affiliations were highlighted in the FBI affidavit, which noted that his TikTok username included an anarchy symbol. The investigation revealed that Avalos had signed up for TikTok using a Samsung Galaxy phone linked to his residence.
Official Statements & Responses
The U.S. Attorney's Office in Minnesota has charged Avalos with interstate transmission of a threat to injure another person. Following his arrest, Avalos appeared in court and was released on a personal recognizance bond, with a requirement to wear a GPS monitor. His attorney, Daniel Gerdts, stated that he had no comment except to assert Avalos's innocence. Bondi's office has declined to comment on the matter.
Criticism & Opposition
While the FBI has not disclosed any potential motive for Avalos's actions, the nature of the threats has raised concerns about the safety of public officials. Critics of the incident emphasize the need for increased security measures for political figures, especially in light of rising threats against government officials.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
There are no significant conflicting reports regarding the details of Avalos's arrest or the charges against him. However, the FBI has not provided information on any potential motives behind the threats made against Bondi.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Wanted: Pam Bondi. Reward: 45,000. Dead or alive (preferably dead).” — Tyler Maxon Avalos, TikTok Post
- “Cough cough. When they don’t serve us, then what?” — Tyler Maxon Avalos, TikTok Post
The case against Avalos highlights ongoing concerns regarding threats to public officials and the implications of social media as a platform for inciting violence. As the legal proceedings unfold, further details may emerge regarding the motivations behind Avalos's actions and the broader context of political threats in the current climate.
