Marine veteran charged with threatening to kill Trump in ‘holy war’

A Marine Corps veteran in Florida has been arrested and charged with threatening to kill President Trump after declaring a “holy war” and calling him the Antichrist in videos posted online, according to court documents.

William L. Upham, 35, of Jacksonville appeared in federal court Thursday and was ordered detained. He faces up to five years in federal prison if convicted.

The U.S. Secret Service began investigating Tuesday after receiving two reports about statements posted by an account called “uphamforcongress.” One report said Upham had appeared in videos wearing his Marine uniform and discussed weapons and military tactics for attacking Trump.

In one video, Upham called on viewers to overthrow the Trump administration and gave instructions on using an AR-15, ammunition capable of piercing body armor and military shooting techniques.

“This is a call to arms,” Upham allegedly said. “To all of God’s children, you must overthrow the Trump Administration on behalf of God.”

The second report came from a representative of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), who relayed information from a third party.

The tipster said Upham had been medically retired from the Marine Corps because of mental health-related concerns, abruptly quit his job as a state prosecutor, took out a loan to run for office and recently underwent a psychiatric hold.

“There is no doubt in my mind that the President of the United States Donald J. Trump is the Antichrist,” Upham said in the second video, according to the complaint. “He is a false Messiah, and he is your enemy and he must be killed.”

“Why do I believe this? President Trump posted an AI-generated image of him in the likeness of Jesus Christ. He has also criticized the Pope,” Upham continued. “He is nothing like Jesus Christ.”

A newspaper reporter contacted Upham about the videos. In his response, Upham allegedly explained why he appeared in uniform.

“I made this video in uniform to declare war against President Trump on behalf of God,” Upham told the reporter. “The uniform represents the Holy War between God and the Anti-Christ.”

“I will kill President Trump at the time that God chooses, not when I choose,” he added. “Our country must overthrow President Trump by the violent use of force and kill him.”

Officials learned that Upham purchased two firearms at a pawn shop in Virginia in June 2024. During a welfare check at his home on July 5, he allegedly told police that he was the Messiah and that God had ordered him to die.

Jacksonville police returned to the residence Tuesday and confirmed that Upham was there. He was subsequently arrested.