What was supposed to be a low-key summer outing for Vice President JD Vance and his family last year took a dark turn when authorities say a young California man began posting alarming threats online.
The visit to Disneyland, carefully kept off public schedules, suddenly became a high-alert security situation.
Online Posts That Sparked Immediate Alarm
According to federal prosecutors, 22-year-old Marco Antonio Aguayo took to social media on July 12, 2025, as word spread that the vice president had arrived in Anaheim.
Using an Instagram account, he allegedly left comments claiming explosive devices had been planted inside the theme park and warning of impending violence.
Investigators say the posts appeared on the Walt Disney Company’s official Instagram page just as Air Force Two landed nearby, adding urgency to an already volatile moment.
Messages That Escalated Quickly
Court documents describe a rapid progression in tone.
One post allegedly mentioned pipe bombs in connection with Vance’s arrival. Another urged people to “rise up.”
The final message, prosecutors say, crossed a line entirely, openly predicting bloodshed and targeting political figures.
Given the timing — while Vance and his family were inside the park — the threats immediately drew the attention of the US Secret Service and local law enforcement.
Law Enforcement Moves Fast
Federal records show that Secret Service agents and Anaheim police tracked Aguayo down later that same day and went to his apartment.
At first, he reportedly denied any involvement, suggesting his account had been compromised.
Authorities say that story didn’t last long. Aguayo later admitted he had written the posts himself, according to a sworn affidavit.
The “It Was a Joke” Defense
During questioning, Aguayo allegedly told investigators he never meant the threats seriously.
He claimed the posts were intended as a joke, meant to shock people and get laughs, and said he had planned to delete them but forgot.
Agents obtained a search warrant, seized his phone and a shared laptop, and linked him to multiple Instagram accounts.
The threatening account and posts were later taken down.
No Explosives, No Shutdown — But No Shrugging It Off
Authorities confirmed that Disneyland operations were not interrupted and that no explosives were found anywhere on the property.
Visitors largely remained unaware of the behind-the-scenes scramble unfolding that evening.
Even so, prosecutors emphasized that the absence of real bombs didn’t lessen the seriousness of the crime, especially given the explicit language and the presence of the vice president and his family.
Federal Charges Follow
Aguayo has now been charged with making threats against the president and those in the line of presidential succession — a federal felony that carries a possible prison sentence of up to five years.
The decision to file a single count was made at the discretion of federal authorities.
Prosecutors Send a Clear Warning
Bill Essayli, First Assistant US Attorney for the Central District of California, made it clear the government intends to draw a hard line.
“We will not tolerate criminal threats against public officials,” he said, adding that investigators were grateful the vice president and his family were unharmed.
He also warned that anonymity online offers no protection from consequences.
A Trip Meant to Stay Quiet
Vance’s Disneyland visit was never publicly announced and only became widely known after his plane landed and social media reports began circulating.
The secrecy unraveled quickly, leading to demonstrations outside the Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, where the family was believed to be staying.
Vance’s Lighthearted Public Take
Weeks later, Vance referenced the visit in a casual way during an appearance on the Katie Miller Podcast.
He joked about enjoying having parts of the park to himself and apologized to other guests for longer lines.
Behind the humor, prosecutors say, the reality was far more serious — a reminder of how quickly online threats can turn a family outing into a federal investigation.
What Happens Now
With charges filed, Aguayo’s case will move through federal court, where prosecutors will argue that his words alone were enough to trigger a major security response.
For authorities, the message is simple: even “jokes” about violence carry real-world consequences, especially when they involve the nation’s top leaders.
Share on Facebook «||» Share on Twitter «||» Share on Reddit «||» Share on LinkedIn