Michigan Man Sentenced for Threatening Vice President and Others

A 67-year-old man from Grand Rapids, Michigan, identified as James Donald Vance Jr., was convicted and sentenced for making threats against Vice President J.D. Vance, former President Donald Trump, and one of Trump’s children.

Vance pleaded guilty to two counts and received a two-year prison sentence, as reported on Monday by Timothy Verhey, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan.

According to the statement, “Vance’s threats against the president and vice president, made merely because he disagreed with them, crossed a line that was universally recognized, and he had to face consequences.”

James Vance, who used the username “Diaperjdv” on BlueSky, a platform for left-leaning users who left X, posted threats in March and April, as per a press release from the Department of Justice.

He allegedly wrote, “If Trump, Vance, and Musk ever visit my town again, I’ll put them in a body bag. I don’t care if I get shot or spend life in prison; I only have about ten years left to live.” He also stated, “I’m going to kill that stupid son of a bitch before I get Secret Service protection.”

Ultimately, Vance pleaded guilty to one felony count regarding threats against the president and vice president, plus another felony count related to interstate communications threats.

Though both offenses could have led to a five-year sentence and a hefty fine, U.S. District Judge Paul Maloney opted for a lighter sentence after Vance’s plea.

“The Internet has provided a space for healthy discussions, essential for democracy. Yet, some individuals misuse this platform to instill fear and intimidate, undermining democratic principles,” Verhey commented.

He reiterated, “When Mr. Vance outlined plans to kill the President and Vice President merely due to disagreement, he had to be punished.”