San Antonio Man Arrested for Alleged 'Evil Demons' Threat Against Mayor

Ignacio Zuniga III faces retaliation charge after posting violent X comment targeting Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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A 44-year-old San Antonio man named Ignacio Zuniga III was arrested and charged with retaliation after allegedly posting a violent threat on X that called for the execution of 'evil demons', including Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones. Police say they received a tip about the post and quickly secured an arrest warrant for Zuniga, who is being held on a $125,000 bond.

Why it matters

Threats against public officials on social media are taken seriously by law enforcement, as they can quickly escalate into real-world harm. This case highlights how online rants can turn into criminal charges under Texas' retaliation laws, which cover threats made against public servants.

The details

According to the San Antonio Express-News, the comment appeared as a reply on X and read, in part, 'we should be hunting these evil demons down and executing them, starting with @Mayor_GOJ.' The post also complained about local spending and referenced voting in Bexar County. Investigators say the comment on the account drew a tip that kicked off the probe, leading to Zuniga's arrest on Wednesday.

  • On Tuesday, police received a tip about the threatening X post.
  • On Wednesday, police arrested Ignacio Zuniga III and charged him with retaliation.

The players

Ignacio Zuniga III

A 44-year-old San Antonio resident who was arrested and charged with retaliation for allegedly posting a violent threat on X targeting Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones.

Gina Ortiz Jones

The Mayor of San Antonio, who was allegedly targeted in the threatening X post made by Ignacio Zuniga III.

William McManus

The San Antonio Police Chief, who stated that the department takes comments threatening harm to individuals seriously and will investigate such incidents.

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What they’re saying

“We take comments that threaten harm to an individual seriously and will take the necessary steps to thoroughly investigate these incidents.”

— William McManus, San Antonio Police Chief (San Antonio Express-News)

What’s next

The case against Ignacio Zuniga III remains under investigation, and court records show he is being held pending further proceedings. The San Antonio Police Department says investigators will continue working with prosecutors as the case moves forward.

The takeaway

This case underscores the legal consequences that can arise from making violent threats against public officials on social media. It serves as a warning that online rants can quickly escalate into criminal charges, especially under Texas' retaliation laws that cover threats against public servants.