Former Marine and write-in Republican candidate for Florida’s 5th Congressional District (FL CD 5), William Upham, has been arrested and charged with threatening to kill President Donald Trump.
Upham’s arrest comes after he published a video statement on X, claiming President Trump is the “Anti-Christ” and “must be killed.”
“We are at war with evil. This is a war between God and the Anti-Christ. There is no doubt in my mind that the President of the United States, Donald J. Trump, is the Anti-Christ,” the GOP candidate stated in the video while donning his military uniform.
Referencing President Trump’s previous Artificial Intelligence (AI) generated Truth Social post “of him in the likeness of Jesus Christ” and the president’s criticisms of the Pope for his comments on the war in Iran, Upham labeled the executive a “false messiah” and an “enemy” of the U.S.
DOJ Confirms Upham's Arrest
According to U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe, Upham was arrested after the U.S. Secret Service (USSS) was alerted of Upham’s “call to arms” to topple President Trump and instructions on how to assassinate the president.
Following Upham’s video statements, the USSS was also alerted to “a communication” Upham sent to a third party in which he indicated that he released the videos to “declare war” on the president.
In that communication, Upham allegedly affirmed that he would “kill President Trump at the time that God chooses.”
If convicted, the ex-Marine and state prosecutor could face up to 5 years in federal prison.
Marine Corps Condemn Upham's Statements
Upham’s arrest comes after the U.S. Marine Corps issued a statement rebuking the Jacksonville Republican’s threats.
“The comments made by Upham are a direct violation of the oath he swore to uphold and are not in keeping with the service's values,” the Naval Infantry Branch issued, confirming that Upham was medically discharged on May 30, 2025.
