Shreveport Man Charged in Threats Against Federal Officials

Seven individuals face charges for violent social media posts targeting public figures

Mar. 14, 2026 at 8:06pm

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A 31-year-old Shreveport man named Justin Chadwick Butler has been arrested and charged for posting violent threats on social media targeting Speaker Mike Johnson and President Donald Trump. Butler is one of seven people recently charged, arrested, or convicted in federal cases involving threats or assaults against law enforcement and public officials, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Louisiana.

Why it matters

Threats of violence against public officials and law enforcement are taken extremely seriously by federal authorities, who view them as attempts to undermine the rule of law and democratic institutions. The U.S. Attorney's Office has made protecting federal officers and upholding the law a top priority.

The details

According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, Justin Chadwick Butler, 31, of Shreveport, was arrested on February 13, 2026 for allegedly posting violent threats on social media targeting Speaker Mike Johnson and President Donald Trump. Butler faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted.

  • Butler was arrested on February 13, 2026.

The players

Justin Chadwick Butler

A 31-year-old man from Shreveport, Louisiana who was arrested for posting violent threats on social media targeting public officials.

Mike Johnson

The current Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, who was allegedly targeted by Butler's threats.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States, who was also allegedly targeted by Butler's threats.

Zachary A. Keller

The U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Louisiana, who announced the charges against the seven individuals.

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What they’re saying

“The cases reflect the office's priority to protect federal officers and uphold the rule of law.”

— Zachary A. Keller, U.S. Attorney, Western District of Louisiana

What’s next

All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. The case against Justin Chadwick Butler will proceed through the federal court system.

The takeaway

Threats of violence against public officials are taken extremely seriously by federal authorities, who view them as attempts to undermine the rule of law and democratic institutions. This case highlights the ongoing efforts to protect government officials and uphold the law.