Maine man convicted after making online threats against Jews, VP Harris, US Attorney’s Office says

A 52-year-old man convicted of making online threats against Jewish people, Vice President Kamala Harris, law enforcement officers, and Elon Musk, and sentenced to three years of supervised release after spending 17 months in prison, the US Attorney’s Office for the District of Maine said in a statement Wednesday.

Thadius Wind was found guilty of three counts of transmitting interstate threatening communications and one count of threatening a US vice president following a two-day jury trial in July 2026.

Evidence presented during the trial showed that Wind posted threats on X, formerly known as Twitter, targeting Jewish people, Harris, Maine law enforcement officers, and Musk.

The FBI arrested Wind at his home in March 2025, where investigators recovered evidence related to the threats, as well as swords, according to prosecutors.

Court evidence showed that Wind held animosity toward the individuals and groups he targeted in his posts.

Officials warn online threats carry federal consequences

Andrew Benson, US Attorney for the District of Maine, warned those who use online platforms to make threats that they can still face legal consequences.

“This case should serve as notice that if you threaten people or groups online, hiding behind your keyboard will not protect you from the consequences of your actions,” Benson said.

Ted E. Docks, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Boston Division, said threats targeting Jewish people, law enforcement officers, and others are not protected speech.

“Threatening to kill Jewish people, law enforcement, and others aren’t protected acts of courage or conviction; they’re federal crimes that can cause real fear and harm,” Docks said.

Mark Comorosky, special agent in charge of the US Secret Service’s Boston Field Office, said the sentencing reflected the agency’s commitment to investigating threats against protected individuals.

Federal agencies reaffirm commitment to investigating threats

“Today’s sentencing reflects the seriousness with which the Secret Service takes threats towards a protectee,” Comorosky said. “Our commitment to identifying, investigating and charging those who make threats of violence towards the President, Vice-President, or any other person under Secret Service protection, is relentless.”

The FBI and US Secret Service investigated the case with assistance from the Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office.