Troy Kelly, a 20-year-old resident of Crown Point, New York, pleaded guilty to threatening President Biden. The plea was entered in federal court and related to a social media post made by Kelly in May 2024. In the post, Kelly threatened to kill President Biden, stating he would “put a bullet in your head if I ever catch you.” He admitted that he intended the statement as a threat.
Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III commented on the case: “We all witnessed the horrible attempt on President Trump’s life last July. Threatening to kill the President—any President: Republican, Democrat, or otherwise—is not First Amendment protected speech, it is illegal. My office takes threats against any public official seriously, and the conviction of Troy Kelly is a prime example. I thank the Secret Service, HSI, and the New York State Police for their work on this investigation.”
Michael Nichols, United States Secret Service Resident Agent in Charge of the Albany Resident Office, said: “Threats made to anyone under the protective purview of the United States Secret Service are a top priority and are investigated thoroughly. We value our investigative partnerships with HSI and the New York State Police, and we greatly appreciate the strong working relationship between the United States Secret Service Albany Resident Office and the Northern District United States Attorney’s Office.”
Erin Keegan, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations’ Buffalo Field Office stated: “Troy Kelly’s guilty plea underscores federal law enforcement’s shared commitment to treating each and every threat seriously. Today’s conviction should send a stark message to those who choose to threaten elected officials and government personnel: we will find you and ensure you are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
Kelly is scheduled for sentencing on December 22, 2025. He faces up to five years in prison. If convicted, he could also receive up to three years of supervised release after imprisonment and may be fined up to $250,000. As a result of his felony conviction, Kelly will be prohibited from owning firearms.
The case was investigated by agents from the United States Secret Service and Homeland Security Investigations with help from New York State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph S. Hartunian and Cyrus P.W. Rieck are prosecuting.
