UPDATE: A Portland man is now facing federal charges after making alarming threats against law enforcement officers, including explicit intentions to kill them and sexually assault their spouses. Authorities confirm that John Paul Cupp, 45, has been accused of repeatedly issuing these threats both in person and through a series of aggressive online posts.
The situation escalated on October 14, 2025, as Cupp confronted officers outside an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) building in South Portland. Witnesses reported that he began shouting violent insults as law enforcement approached a gathering crowd. Federal documents reveal that Cupp threatened to “kill law enforcement officers, sexually assault their wives, and harm their children.”
The threats did not stop there. On November 3, 2025, Cupp posted a video online reiterating his violent claims against federal agents and their families. Just ten days later, on November 13, he shared additional posts filled with similar rhetoric, intensifying concerns from authorities.
The FBI describes Cupp as “a prolific producer of online content,” noting his regular use of “aggressive rhetoric, calls for war against the United States, antisemitic threats, and threats of violence.” He has been charged with making threats against a federal law enforcement officer, a serious federal crime that could lead to a lengthy prison sentence.
In response to these escalating threats, FBI Director Kash Patel stated, “If you threaten to kill law enforcement officers or harm their families, you will face the full weight of the federal government.” He emphasized the agency’s commitment to identifying violent extremists and removing them from communities.
Furthermore, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon Scott E. Bradford issued a stark warning, asserting, “Violent threats against law enforcement will not be tolerated.” He reiterated the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s commitment to prosecuting such criminal threats to the fullest extent of the law.
Acting FBI Portland Special Agent in Charge Matt Torres highlighted the dangers of Cupp’s rhetoric, stating, “Attempts to intimidate those sworn to protect the American people and uphold our Constitution degrade efforts to keep all of us safe.” He assured the public that the FBI would utilize all available investigative means to seek out and arrest individuals using violent rhetoric.
Cupp remains in federal custody as the case progresses, and authorities have not yet disclosed a court date for his next appearance. This urgent update underscores the ongoing threat posed by extremist rhetoric and the serious legal consequences that follow such actions.
