❓WHAT HAPPENED: A far-left extremist and convert to Islam was charged with making violent threats against federal agents and their families.
👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: John Paul Cupp, also known as “Walid” and “Abu Nusaybah al-Amriki,” was arrested for these threats.
📍WHEN & WHERE: Cupp allegedly made these threats on October 14 outside the Portland, Oregon, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) building and continued online in November.
💬KEY QUOTE: “Threats of violence against the brave members of law enforcement and their families will not be tolerated,” said U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford.
🎯IMPACT: Cupp made his first court appearance and remains detained pending further proceedings.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has charged John Paul Cupp, a 45-year-old far-left extremist and convert to Islam from Portland, Oregon, with making violent threats against federal law enforcement officers. Federal prosecutors allege that Cupp, who also uses the aliases “Walid” and “Abu Nusaybah al-Amriki,” made the threats—which included promises to kill agents, sexually assault their wives, and harm their children—outside the Portland U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Portland on October 14.
Subsequently, Cupp continued his threats in online videos posted on November 3 and November 13. The U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon, Scott E. Bradford, noted Cupp’s prolific online presence, where he regularly posts aggressive rhetoric and threats of violence. “Threats of violence against the brave members of law enforcement and their families will not be tolerated,” Bradford said, adding: “The U.S. Attorney’s Office remains committed to holding those accountable who threaten and intimidate those who protect our communities, and we will continue to prosecute criminal threats of violence to the fullest extent of the law.”
In an affidavit, a special agent from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Joint Terrorism Task Force stated that Cupp discussed using lone wolf attacks to target the federal government, advocating for small groups to engage in armed struggle. He encouraged targeting “low-hanging fruit” with guerrilla actions, including ICE facilities and other regional government offices.
Notably, a restraining order was issued against Cupp in April 2025, prohibiting him from contacting his wife and children. His wife alleged that Cupp had bipolar disorder and made threats against her and the community. Cupp was ordered to remain detained following his court appearance.
Join Pulse+ to comment below, and receive exclusive e-mail analyses.