Man Threatened ‘Bloodshed’ at Disneyland, Claimed He Planted Bombs ‘in Preparation’ for JD Vance’s Family Visit, Feds Say

A Southern California man is facing federal charges after prosecutors say he posted violent threats online when Vice President JD Vance’s family visited Disneyland last summer.

Marco Antonio Aguayo, 22, is accused of leaving a series of alarming comments on Disney’s official Instagram account on July 12 — the same day Vance, 41, stayed at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, Calif. Aguayo allegedly claimed pipe bombs had been planted at the park and warned of “bloodshed,” according to a criminal complaint viewed by PEOPLE. KTLA was first to report the news.

Authorities say Aguayo posted multiple comments on Disney’s Instagram around 6:14 p.m. local time, including: “Pipe bombs have been placed in preparation for J.D. Vance’s arrival,” the complaint alleges.

In another comment, he allegedly wrote: “It’s time for us to rise up and you will be a witness to it.”

A third message, investigators say, escalated the threat further: “Good luck finding all of them on time there will be bloodshed tonight and we will bathe in the blood of corrupt politicians.”

Investigators traced the comments to Aguayo’s account — which no longer exists under the same username — and police located and questioned him later that night, shortly before 11 p.m., according to the complaint.

Aguayo initially denied involvement, telling investigators his Instagram account had been hacked. He later admitted he wrote the comments, but claimed they were jokes, the complaint says. Authorities also report that he turned over his phone and computer.

Aguayo was arrested on Friday, Jan. 16, and has been charged with making threats against the president and successors to the presidency, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California. If convicted, he could face up to five years in federal prison.

The Anaheim resident is expected to make his first court appearance on Tuesday, Jan. 20. It is not immediately clear whether he has an attorney who can speak on his behalf.

Attorney General Pam Bondi said she was thankful Vance and his family were able to safely spend time at Disneyland. The vice president shares children Ewan, 8, Vivek, 5, and Mirabel, 3, with his wife, Usha Vance.

“This case is a horrific reminder of the dangers public officials face from deranged criminals who would do them harm,” Bondi said. “I am grateful that my friend Vice President Vance and his family are safe, applaud the police work that led to the arrest, and will ensure my prosecutors deliver swift justice.”

First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli also issued a warning following the arrest announcement.

“We will not tolerate criminal threats against public officials,” Essayli said. “We are grateful the Vice President and his family remained safe during their visit. Let this case be a warning to anyone who thinks they can make anonymous online threats. We will find you and bring you to justice.”