Florida Man Indicted for Threatening Trump, Swalwell, and Powell

Alleged threats against public officials lead to federal charges

Mar. 11, 2026 at 6:10pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A Florida man named Diego Villavicencio has been indicted on four counts for allegedly threatening President Donald Trump, Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA), and Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell. The indictment alleges that Villavicencio made threats to "kill" Swalwell and his family, as well as threatening to "take a couple of shots" at Trump and other "corrupt plutocrats." Swalwell, who was an impeachment manager during Trump's second trial, confirmed he was one of the unnamed officials cited in the indictment. Powell was also reportedly threatened in one of the posts, which was reported to the FBI.

Why it matters

Threats of political violence against public officials are a serious concern, as they can intimidate elected leaders and undermine the democratic process. This case highlights the need for robust law enforcement efforts to identify and prosecute those who make such threats, in order to protect public safety and the integrity of the government.

The details

According to the indictment, Villavicencio allegedly threatened Swalwell in a post saying "I'll kill you and your family and you won't do anything about it." He also allegedly threatened an unnamed person, saying they would "be shot and killed September 23." Villavicencio is also accused of threatening Trump, writing "I'll be driving there to take a couple of shots at trump and some other corrupt plutocrats." Swalwell confirmed he was one of the unnamed officials cited, and said Attorney General Pam Bondi had "refused" to prosecute threats against him. An FBI affidavit also revealed that one of the posts had read "Jerome is next," referring to Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell.

  • Villavicencio was arrested last month.
  • His trial is scheduled for May.

The players

Diego Villavicencio

A Florida man who has been indicted on four counts for allegedly threatening President Donald Trump, Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA), and Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell.

Donald Trump

The President of the United States who was allegedly threatened by Villavicencio.

Eric Swalwell

A Democratic Congressman from California who was an impeachment manager during Trump's second impeachment trial, and who was allegedly threatened by Villavicencio.

Jerome Powell

The Chairman of the Federal Reserve who was allegedly threatened by Villavicencio.

Pam Bondi

The Attorney General of Florida who Swalwell said had "refused" to prosecute threats against him.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The aim of this threat was to silence me. Political violence has never been the answer. And it never will be. My family and I are grateful to the Department of Justice for their attention to this violent threat.”

— Eric Swalwell, Congressman

What’s next

Villavicencio's trial is scheduled for May.

The takeaway

This case underscores the serious threat that political violence and threats against public officials pose to the democratic process. It is crucial that law enforcement take such threats seriously and prosecute offenders to the fullest extent of the law in order to protect the safety of elected leaders and the integrity of the government.