Nevada Man Indicted for Making Threats to Kill the President of the United States

LAS VEGAS – A federal grand jury in Las Vegas returned an indictment charging a Henderson, Nevada, resident with allegedly making threats to kill President Donald J. Trump. 

“Let me be unmistakably clear: anyone who targets the Commander in Chief of the United States with threats of violence is painting a target on their own back,” said First Assistant United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada. “Threatening the life of the President is not free speech—it is an act of cowardice and a direct assault on the stability of our nation. Our office and our federal law enforcement partners do not tolerate, do not negotiate with, and do not overlook those who weaponize fear against our public institutions. We will deploy every single resource at our disposal, hunt you down, and prosecute you to the absolute fullest extent of federal law. If you threaten the leader of this country, expect to face the unyielding weight of the federal justice system, and expect to spend a very long time behind a federal prison bar.”

“Threats of political violence and mass murder have no place in our society,” said Special Agent in Charge Christopher S. Delzotto for the FBI Las Vegas Office. “Mr. Utlaut allegedly threatened the life of President Trump, promoted a mass shooting, and expressed a willingness to carry out horrific acts of violence. Such threats undermine public safety and will be treated with the utmost seriousness. This arrest sends a clear message: anyone who threatens violence against our nation's leaders or our communities will face the full weight of federal law. You cannot hide behind a screen, and you cannot escape accountability. Justice will find you!”

"Stopping violence before it starts requires a coordinated effort across all levels of law enforcement,” said Henderson Police Chief Reggie Rader. “Through strong regional partnerships and collaboration with our federal counterparts, we can share information, identify potential threats and work together to keep our communities safe."

According to court documents, on October 16, 2026, the FBI National Threat Operations Section received an emergency notification regarding five threatening posts uploaded to a YouTube channel. The posts included threats to kill the President of the United States, to carry out a mass shooting, and other threats of violence. Subsequent investigation attributed those posts to Jason Randall Utlaut. 

On October 16, 2026, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department executed a search warrant at Utlaut’s residence and vehicle in Henderson, Nevada. During the search, 15 firearms, together with multiple firearm magazines and ammunition, were seized. 

Utlaut is charged with one count of threat against the President. If convicted, the maximum statutory penalty is five years in prison. Arraignment has been scheduled before United States Magistrate Judge Maximiliano D. Couvillier III on November 18, 2026.

The FBI, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, and Henderson Police Department investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Dan Cowhig is prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an accusation. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

###