A man was detained on Friday in suburban Chicago for allegedly making death threats against federal law enforcement officers and prominent political figures, according to a federal complaint unsealed by a judge.
The complaint, unsealed by Judge M. David Weisman at the request of Assistant U.S. Attorney Tom Peabody for the Northern District of Illinois, alleges that the threats were directed at Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials as well as several high-profile political figures.
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Michael Stover, 33, of Downers Grove, was named as the subject of the lawsuit. FBI agents arrested him on Friday morning.
According to court records, between February and July, Stover made many death threats on social media against federal law enforcement officers, including ICE agents.
In his BlueSky bio, Stover describes himself as an “anarchist,” “anti-fascist,” and “expert shooter.”
In May, the Downers Grove Police Department went to a domestic dispute at his house after receiving a 911 call from his wife, who reported that Stover had threatened to murder her.
There, they seized “five rifles, a shotgun, six handguns, and ammunition” from Stover. The ammo included “five rifle rounds with the first names of well-known political figures written in marker.”
The names aren’t mentioned in the complaint.
Downers Grove police said Stover was released after the May disturbance because his wife declined to press charges. At the time, Stover told officials that he suffers from PTSD and that the threats had to stop.
However, according to court filings, the threats persisted.
The complaint alleges that on July 7, Stover threatened to kill ICE agents “on sight.”
According to court records, his posts on BlueSky have also featured sentiments critical of the government as a whole, including the president and the Democratic National Convention.
Less than 24 hours before his arrest, Stover wrote, “Are you ready and willing to fight?! If so, dm me…”The enemy is here, and the enemy is now.”
Dig deeper: The timing aligns with the Trump administration’s plans to increase immigration enforcement operations in the Chicago area.
The administration has also stated that it plans to send the National Guard to help with efforts to reduce violence in the city.
What they’re saying: “The FBI has zero tolerance for anyone who makes the criminal decision to compromise the safety of those who serve and protect our communities,” FBI Chicago said in a post on social media.
Stover may face up to five years in federal prison if convicted.
Stover will not be released before his next court appearance, a detention hearing planned for 11 a.m. on Wednesday, September 10.
