Oklahoma man pleads guilty to threatening Republican politicians on Twitter
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An Enid man on Wednesday pleaded guilty in federal court to issuing threats against government officials, including Gov. Kevin Stitt, on social media.
Tyler Jay Marshall, 36, pleaded guilty to the interstate transmission of threatening communications against various government officials, U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester announced.
In addition to Stitt, Marshall tweeted threats to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz and Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders.
The FBI reported that on May 15 it received a tip Marshall was making the threats on social media.
An affidavit for an arrest warrant showed screenshots of the disturbing threats. The Twitter account used to post the replies has since been suspended.
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In response to a Mother’s Day post by Stitt, which included photos of the governor’s mother, wife and daughters, Marshall allegedly replied with threats to shoot them, and bring guns to events where Stitt would be speaking.
The FBI says Marshall created the email address gopshoulddiesoon@gmail.com.
After a DeSantis tweet decrying diversity, equity and inclusiveness in higher education, Marshall replied, “I’ll see you dead in your home.”
Oklahoma man said he created account to troll legislators
On May 19, FBI agents arrested Marshall at the Enid house where he rented a room.
Marshall claimed he had created a Twitter account a couple of weeks earlier, when he was drunk, to troll people online, according to the arrest warrant affidavit.
Prosecutors said Marshall replied to Sanders, the Arkansas governor:
“Can’t wait to murder your family. See you soon.”
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On June 6, a federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment against Marshall. Count one charged him with threatening to murder a U.S. official. Count two charged him with interstate transmission of threatening communications.
On Wednesday in Oklahoma City federal court, Marshall pleaded guilty to the second count.
As part of his plea, Marshall admitted he knew his posts would be viewed as real threats.
At sentencing, Marshall faces up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
He has been in federal custody since May 19.
The FBI Oklahoma City Field Office, with assistance from the Oklahoma Highway Patrol and the Enid Police Department, investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Stoneman is prosecuting the case.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma man pleads guilty to threatening Gov. Kevin Stitt, others
