West Virginia Man Indicted on Federal Charges for Alleged Threats Against the President and Federal Immigration Agents

A federal grand jury has indicted a Harrison County man accused of making violent threats against the President of the United States and federal immigration enforcement personnel, according to federal authorities in West Virginia. The indictment charges Cody Lee Smith, 20, of Clarksburg, with multiple federal offenses tied to alleged threats communicated through social media and a federal law enforcement tip line.

According to court documents, Smith is charged with two counts of threats to murder the President of the United States, one count of influencing and retaliating against federal officials by threat of murder, and one count of influencing a federal official by threat of murder. The charges stem from statements investigators say were made through public social media posts and direct communications that allegedly targeted federal officials and law enforcement personnel.

Federal prosecutors allege that Smith posted a series of messages on Instagram encouraging violence against President Donald J. Trump, individuals described as supporters of the President, members of the U.S. military, and government officials. Investigators further allege that Smith sent a direct message through Instagram to Donald Trump Jr., claiming he would kill the President by cutting his “jugular.” Federal authorities say the statements were part of a pattern of threatening language directed toward federal leadership and public officials.

The indictment also alleges that Smith made threats against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents during a phone call placed to a federal ICE tip line. According to charging documents, Smith threatened to kill ICE agents operating in Clarksburg, West Virginia, as well as the employee responsible for answering the tip line call. Federal law prohibits attempts to intimidate or retaliate against federal officials through threats of violence, and such threats can carry significant criminal penalties when directed at government personnel performing official duties.

Threats against the President of the United States are investigated under federal statutes designed to protect the safety of national leadership and ensure the continuity of government operations. Federal authorities treat threats against protected officials as serious offenses because of the potential risk to national security and public safety. Investigations into such threats typically involve the collection and analysis of digital evidence, including social media communications, messaging records, and electronic devices linked to the suspect.

The investigation into the alleged threats involved cooperation between multiple federal and state law enforcement agencies. Investigators reviewed online activity, communications records, and other evidence as part of the case that led to the federal indictment. Federal prosecutors state that the case demonstrates the seriousness with which threats against government officials and law enforcement personnel are treated within the federal criminal justice system.

If convicted, Smith faces up to five years in federal prison for each count involving threats against the President, and up to ten years in prison for each count involving threats against federal officials. Additional penalties may include supervised release and financial fines determined by the court at sentencing. Sentences in federal criminal cases are imposed by a U.S. district court judge after considering federal sentencing guidelines and statutory factors.

The investigation was conducted by federal law enforcement agencies specializing in national security and criminal threat investigations, with assistance from state and local law enforcement partners. Federal prosecutors assigned to the Northern District of West Virginia are handling the case.

Under U.S. law, the charges outlined in the indictment are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in federal court.

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United States District Court for the Northern District of West Virginia — Federal Indictment filed March 3, 2026.

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