A 23-year-old Pennsylvania man who admitted to threatening to kill Donald Trump ahead of the president’s second inauguration has avoided prison time after a federal judge handed down probation instead of jail.
Pennsylvania Man Avoids Prison in Trump Threat Case
Jacob Buckley, 23, has been sentenced to one year of probation and ordered to pay a $500 fine after pleading guilty to making threats against President Donald Trump.
The sentence was delivered by Chief U.S. District Judge Matthew Brann of Pennsylvania’s Middle District. Despite prosecutors pushing for a one-year prison sentence, the court decided probation was a more appropriate punishment based on Buckley’s background and mental health condition.
Threats Posted Days Before Inauguration
According to court records, Buckley made the threatening comments on January 16, 2025, just days before Trump was set to begin his second term in office.
Using a TikTok account under his own name, Buckley allegedly posted several disturbing messages, including threats directed at Trump and supporters of the MAGA movement.
Investigators said one post included a direct threat toward the president, while another referenced the political situation in the United States just days before the inauguration.
Defendant Expressed Regret in Court
During his sentencing hearing, Buckley reportedly showed remorse for his actions.
He told the court there was “no excuse” for what he posted and said he wished he could take back his actions.
Judge Brann noted that Buckley had no prior criminal history and that investigators found no evidence suggesting he had an actual plan to carry out the threats.
Mental Health Treatment Ordered
As part of his sentence, Buckley must complete one year of probation under federal supervision.
The court also ordered him to participate in a mental health treatment program and continue taking any prescribed medications.
The judge appeared to focus on rehabilitation rather than incarceration, believing treatment and supervision were more suitable in this case.
Other Trump Threat Cases Led to Prison Sentences
Buckley’s sentence stands in contrast to other recent cases involving threats against Trump.
Earlier this year, a Florida man who made assassination threats against the president was sentenced to more than two years in federal prison.
In another case, a Hawaii woman received seven months behind bars followed by three years of supervised release after threatening violence against the White House.
Case Highlights Legal Consequences of Online Threats
The case serves as another reminder that threats made on social media platforms can result in serious federal charges, even if there is no immediate evidence of an actual plan to act on them.
Law enforcement agencies continue to monitor online platforms closely for threats against public officials, especially during politically sensitive periods such as elections and presidential inaugurations.
