A man from California is confronting serious federal allegations after he was accused of posting threats to place pipe bombs at Disneyland, coinciding with a private visit from US Vice President JD Vance and his family.
The Alleged Threats on Social Media
According to a federal complaint, the incident unfolded on July 12, 2025. The suspect, identified as Marco Antonio Aguayo, allegedly used Disney's official Instagram page to publish menacing comments. These posts reportedly stated, “Pipe bombs have been placed in preparation for J.D. Vance’s arrival” and warned “there will be bloodshed tonight.”
The timing of the online threats directly overlapped with a visit to the Anaheim theme park by Vice President Vance and his relatives. The trip had previously attracted public protests concerning immigration policies, adding a layer of tension to the high-profile visit.
Investigation and Admission
Federal authorities swiftly investigated the source of the posts. When initially questioned, Aguayo denied any involvement. However, he later changed his story and confessed to authoring the threatening messages.
In his statement to agents, Aguayo claimed his actions were intended as a “joke to provoke attention and laughter.” This defence did not prevent the filing of formal charges, which treat the matter with utmost seriousness given the potential target.
Serious Legal Consequences
The charge brought against Marco Antonio Aguayo is one of threat against the president and successors to the presidency. This underscores the gravity with which US law enforcement treats any perceived danger to protected individuals, even when communicated via social media.
Vice President Vance later commented on the overall security operation for his family's outing, describing the experience of having parts of Disneyland shut down for their vacation as “very cool.” The case highlights the extensive and disruptive security protocols activated for protecting senior officials and their families on leisure trips.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the severe real-world repercussions that can stem from online posts, regardless of the poster's claimed intent. Federal authorities continue to prioritise the investigation of threats made against high-ranking government figures.
