A recent incident has drawn attention to the growing threats emanating from social media platforms, particularly TikTok. Tyler Maxon Avalos, a 30-year-old man from Minnesota, is now facing serious federal charges after he made an assassination threat against U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi. The threat was particularly alarming due to its public nature and the substantial bounty of $45,000 that Avalos put on Bondi’s head.
The situation began on October 9, 2025, when a user reported a troubling video shared on TikTok. The video showcased a photograph of Bondi, superimposed with a red sniper scope aimed directly at her forehead. The text clearly stated: “WANTED: Pam Bondi,” “REWARD: $45,000,” and “DEAD OR ALIVE (PREFERABLY DEAD).” Such explicit language left no room for misinterpretation regarding Avalos’s intentions.
Investigators acted quickly. Once the FBI’s National Threat Operations Center received the report, they classified the post as a credible threat to the U.S. Attorney General’s life. In a matter of hours, federal agents were able to trace the post back to Avalos, thanks to emergency data obtained from TikTok. The account had been created on a Samsung Galaxy linked to an email address that bore his name. This was a critical breakthrough as it laid the foundation for identifying him as the individual behind the threat.
Tracking Avalos led agents to a residence in St. Paul, where they conducted surveillance. Upon confirming Avalos’s presence at the location, a warrant for his arrest was swiftly approved by U.S. Magistrate Judge Becky Cowan Wright. This reflects the urgency and seriousness with which law enforcement treats such threats, especially against high-ranking officials. Avalos’s criminal history only intensified the gravity of the situation.
Court records reveal that Avalos has a long history of violent behavior, which prosecutors argue further emphasizes the seriousness of his recent threat. His criminal record includes a felony stalking conviction, a misdemeanor domestic assault charge, and a felony domestic battery conviction. The connection to Bondi’s home state of Florida raises additional concerns. Given the pattern of prior offenses, it’s apparent that Avalos’s actions could transcend mere online posting and evolve into actual physical harm.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers that arise in the digital age, especially when threats are made public through popular social media platforms. Avalos’s actions demonstrate how anonymity can embolden individuals to act out violently. As the legal process unfolds, it remains to be seen how this case will impact discourse surrounding threats made online and the responsibilities of social media companies to monitor such dangerous content.
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