Michigan Man Charged for Threatening Trump Over LGBTQ+ Policies

Michigan Man Arrested for Alleged Threats Against Former President Trump

In a case drawing attention to increasing violent extremism, a former U.S. Air Force airman from Michigan has been accused of threatening harm against former President Donald Trump due to dissatisfaction with the administration’s policies on LGBTQ+ issues. Joshua Levi Young, 21, from Ishpeming, has been charged with making threats to kill and injure the former president, as detailed in federal court records that were recently unsealed.

Young, who served in the Air Force between 2022 and 2024, is alleged to have issued multiple online threats since January. These threats include disturbing statements on social media platforms, with posts declaring “Death to Trump” and “Kill the dictator.” The accusations have led to charges of threatening the president and transmitting an interstate threat—each carrying a potential five-year prison sentence. Following a detention hearing in Marquette, U.S. Magistrate Judge Maarten Vermaat ordered that Young be held without bond.

Efforts to reach Young’s attorney, Elizabeth LaCosse, for comments have been unsuccessful.

The charges against Young add to a series of violent incidents linked to antigovernment extremism, reflecting a troubling trend within Michigan and beyond. This includes two assassination attempts targeting Trump since last year, and a former Michigan Army National Guard member charged in May for attempting to attack a military base on behalf of the Islamic State.

The investigation into Young began in mid-September, following an anonymous tip regarding threats made on Facebook. Subsequent investigations by the U.S. Secret Service uncovered multiple threats on Instagram, Facebook, and X. In one Instagram post, Young allegedly stated, “I am going to kill Trump raise him from the dead and kill him again.”

Special Agent Adam Rogers, in the criminal filing, indicated that public records helped identify Young as the author of these threats. On October 7, Young was questioned by Agent Rogers and an Ishpeming Police sergeant at his home, where he reportedly expressed his anger over the administration’s policies. “I don’t like what he’s doing,” Young allegedly stated, pointing to his identity as a gay/non-binary person aligned with the LGBTQ community.

Young also voiced his frustrations regarding immigration rights and the perceived lack of governmental assistance and protection for Americans. “I hurt when others hurt,” Young admitted, acknowledging the authorship of the threatening posts.

Following the interrogation, investigators searched Young’s residence and confiscated his electronic devices. Shortly thereafter, an employee at a Veterans’ Affairs clinic in Ishpeming reported that Young sought legal advice about countries without extradition treaties with the United States, suggesting intentions to flee the country.