A Minnesota man has been arrested for allegedly threatening Attorney General Pam Bondi in a TikTok post. The arrest occurred earlier this month following a disturbing viral message. The FBI was alerted to the threat on October 9, when a user in Detroit reported the content. The post included an alarming image featuring Bondi with a red dot resembling a sniper scope on her forehead, coupled with text that read “WANTED: Pam Bondi. REWARD: $45,000. DEAD OR ALIVE (PREFERABLY DEAD).”
Details of the Threat
The TikTok post also contained a caption questioning the response to authorities who do not serve the public effectively. According to a federal affidavit, the FBI quickly traced the account responsible for the post to Tyler Maxon Avalos, a 30-year-old resident of St. Paul, Minnesota.
Background of the Suspect
Avalos has a concerning criminal past. His record includes:
- Felony stalking conviction in 2022.
- Misdemeanor domestic assault in 2016.
- Felony third-degree domestic battery in Florida in 2016.
The FBI noted connections to anarchism linked to Avalos’s TikTok account. His display name featured an anarchy symbol, and there was a pinned link to an “Anarchist FAQ” book.
Legal Proceedings
Avalos made his initial court appearance before a federal magistrate in Minneapolis. Last week, he was released on a personal recognizance bond. The case gained attention due to its serious implications regarding threats to public officials and the potential for violence.
Response from Authorities
Scott MacFarlane, among others, reported on the case. It underscores the growing concern over threats made online, especially through popular social media platforms like TikTok.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by online threats and the importance of monitoring and addressing them swiftly.
