Great Lakes Wire

Isaac Sissel, 26, was sentenced to thirty months in prison for making threats to kill conservative Christians with an AR-15 rifle. The sentencing was announced by United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr., along with Reuben C. Coleman, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Detroit Field Division of the FBI.

Court documents state that in September 2024, Sissel created Reddit accounts with names such as “ShootUpTrumpRally” and “PlanningToKillTrump.” On November 2, he sent an anonymous tip to the FBI claiming he would attack "conservative christan filth" if Donald Trump won the election and said he had a "stolen ar15." This threat was made two days before a Trump campaign rally in Michigan and three days before the 2024 Presidential election. The incident came four months after President Trump survived being shot at a campaign rally with an AR-style weapon. Sissel is a convicted felon and cannot possess firearms; authorities found no evidence that he actually had a weapon.

In April 2025, Sissel pleaded guilty to one count of transmitting threats in interstate commerce. The court applied a Hate Crimes Motivation enhancement because Sissel targeted his victims based on their religion.

“We live in evil times,” U.S. Attorney Gorgon said. “Even in America, Christians are routinely targeted for death by violent extremists like this man. The First Amendment is a safeguard of religious liberty and free speech—and so it does not protect true threats that undermine religious liberty.”

Reuben Coleman commented: "The sentencing of Issac Sissel reflects the FBI’s zero tolerance for individuals who threaten Americans, including leadership at the highest levels of government. I would like to thank the dedicated members of the FBI Detroit Joint Terrorism Task Force, alongside the FBI Ann Arbor Resident Agency, who worked tirelessly throughout this investigation. This effort would not be possible without the crucial assistance of the United States Secret Service, University of Michigan Police Department, and the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office in apprehending Mr. Sissel and supporting this investigation. I send my sincerest appreciation to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan for their successful prosecution. The FBI will remain committed to protecting our communities across America and investigate those who seek to instill fear and violence."

The Federal Bureau of Investigation led the investigation into this case, which was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Hank Moon and Micah Wallace.