Full Breakdown
Threats Against President Donald Trump Prompt Criminal Charges in the United States and Canada
6/18/2026, 4:16:19 AM
Core Incident
In May 2024, Christopher Carnes, a 33-year-old from Raleigh, North Carolina, posted Facebook videos declaring “DJT I am going to kill you,” saying he was “not a person for bluff calling,” and claiming a “live f—ing bomb in the f—ing car.” He disclosed his birthdate and the last four digits of his Social Security number and referenced “Operation Epic Fury.” Carnes turned himself in on June 10 after a K-9 unit detected explosive scent in his red Dodge Charger; police recovered an empty PVC pipe and metal pin. He faces two hoax counts and terroristic-threat charges, with a hearing set for June 22, 2024.
A separate case emerged from Canada. Evenson Dumerlus, a 34-year-old RCMP officer from St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, posted a Snapchat video on June 3, 2025 while deployed on security for the G7 summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, that threatened President Trump. The RCMP removed him from duties the same day and transferred the matter to its Special Investigations Unit. Dumerlus is charged with uttering threats and is scheduled to appear in court on July 30, 2026.
Background & Context
Under U.S. law, threatening the president constitutes a terroristic threat punishable by federal prosecution. Canada’s RCMP similarly treats uttered threats as criminal offenses, investigated by the Special Investigations Unit when officers are involved. The DOJ complaint and RCMP statements illustrate that both jurisdictions treat threats to the president as criminal offenses.
Data & Evidence
Carnes’ videos contained personal identifiers and a claim of a pipe bomb; forensic testing later identified only an empty plastic pipe and a metal pin. The content of Dumerlus’ Snapchat video has not been released, and the RCMP has not disclosed the specific language of his threat.
Official Statements & Responses
The Department of Justice complaint alleges Carnes knowingly and willfully threatened the president’s life, kidnapping, or bodily harm. The RCMP said it treats any threats to the president as serious, emphasizing that violent statements will not be tolerated. Both agencies stressed that online or offline threats can lead to criminal prosecution.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Investigators determined that Carnes’ alleged pipe bomb was non-functional, contradicting his claim of an operational device. In contrast, the precise nature of Dumerlus’ threat remains undisclosed, leaving a gap in public understanding of the alleged offense.
Verbatim Quotes
- “DJT I am going to kill you,” — Christopher Carnes, 33, Raleigh, NC
- “I'm not a person for bluff calling,” — Christopher Carnes
- “The RCMP takes seriously any threats that can affect one’s sense of security,” — RCMP Federal Policing Eastern Region
- “Violent statements will not be tolerated.” — RCMP statement
What's Next
Carnes will appear before a federal judge on June 22, 2024 for a detention hearing. Dumerlus is slated for a court appearance on July 30, 2026, after which further charges may be considered pending the RCMP investigation.
