Fargo Man Pleads Guilty for Online Threats Against Trump

Andrew Sandvik agreed to a plea deal after posting threats against the President and other officials.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 4:50pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a shattered smartphone screen reflecting a faint blue light, conveying the serious and investigative nature of online threats against public officials.A stark, gritty image capturing the digital aftermath of online threats against government leaders.Fargo Today

A 32-year-old Fargo, North Dakota resident named Andrew Sandvik has pleaded guilty to making online threats about killing President Trump. Sandvik was arrested at his mother's home in November 2025 after an investigation into his social media posts directed at Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and FBI Director Kash Patel. He was facing up to 5 years in prison but prosecutors agreed to a reduced sentence recommendation of 10-16 months.

Why it matters

Online threats against public officials, especially the President, are taken extremely seriously by law enforcement due to the potential risk to public safety. This case highlights the need for vigilance in monitoring social media for extremist rhetoric and the challenges of balancing free speech rights with public security concerns.

The details

According to court documents, Andrew Sandvik made a series of threatening posts on social media in early September 2025 directed at President Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and FBI Director Kash Patel. The posts included graphic language about killing the officials. Detectives opened an investigation and were able to trace the posts back to Sandvik, leading to his arrest at his mother's home in Fargo on November 6th, 2025.

  • Sandvik made the threatening social media posts in early September 2025.
  • Detectives opened an investigation into the posts shortly after in September 2025.
  • Sandvik was arrested at his mother's home in Fargo on November 6th, 2025.

The players

Andrew Sandvik

A 32-year-old resident of Fargo, North Dakota who pleaded guilty to making online threats against President Trump and other officials.

President Trump

The former President of the United States who was the target of Sandvik's online threats.

Vice President JD Vance

The current Vice President of the United States who was also targeted in Sandvik's online threats.

FBI Director Kash Patel

The current Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation who was targeted in Sandvik's online threats.

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What’s next

Sandvik is scheduled to be sentenced on May 15th, 2026. Prosecutors have agreed to recommend a sentence of 10-16 months in prison as part of the plea deal.

The takeaway

This case underscores the importance of monitoring social media for potential extremist rhetoric and the challenges law enforcement faces in balancing free speech rights with public security concerns when dealing with online threats against government officials.