A 26-year-old man has been sentenced to 30 months in federal prison after admitting he made violent online threats to kill conservative Christians.
Prosecutors say Isaac Sissel went on Reddit under names such as “ShootUpTrumpRally” and “PlanningToKillTrump.” He also sent an anonymous tip to the FBI in November 2024 threatening to attack “conservative Christian filth” if Donald Trump won the election. In his message he claimed to have a stolen AR-15 rifle.
Sissel sent his threat two days before President Trump’s campaign rally in Michigan, three days before the 2024 Presidential election, and four months after President Trump was shot at a campaign rally with an AR-style weapon.
“We live in evil times,” U.S. Attorney Gorgon said. “Even in America, Christians are routinely targeted for death by violent extremists like this man. The First Amendment is a safeguard of religious liberty and free speech—and so it does not protect true threats that undermine religious liberty.”
Investigators found no evidence that Sissel actually possessed a weapon. He was already a convicted felon and barred from owning one. In April 2025 he pleaded guilty to one count of transmitting threats in interstate commerce.
At sentencing the court applied a hate crimes motivation enhancement, agreeing with prosecutors that Sissel targeted people based on their religion. The U.S. Attorney’s Office said threats like these are not protected by free speech and will be prosecuted to protect religious liberty.
Sissel will serve two and a half years in prison.
“The sentencing of Issac Sissel reflects the FBI’s zero tolerance for individuals who threaten Americans, including leadership at the highest levels of government,” said Reuben Coleman, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office. “I would like to thank the dedicated members of the FBI Detroit Joint Terrorism Task Force, alongside the FBI Ann Arbor Resident Agency, who worked tirelessly throughout this investigation. This effort would not be possible without the crucial assistance of the United States Secret Service, University of Michigan Police Department, and the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office in apprehending Mr. Sissel and supporting this investigation. I send my sincerest appreciation to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan for their successful prosecution. The FBI will remain committed to protecting our communities across America and investigate those who seek to instill fear and violence.”
Of Suspect: TRACTerrorism on X
