Regardless of opinions on Elon Musk and his leadership in various roles, including his position with the Department of Government Efficiency, there is no justification for making violent threats against anyone, let alone a high-profile figure like Musk. While some may find humor in satirical content or viral online videos, threatening someone’s life crosses a clear line.
An alarming case has recently emerged where an Indiana man was arrested for posting a series of violent threats against the Tesla and SpaceX CEO. On February 18, 28-year-old David Allen June Cherry was taken into custody after posting multiple life-threatening statements directed at Musk on the social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter).
The Indiana State Police confirmed the arrest via a Facebook post, revealing that Cherry was charged with Felony Intimidation, a serious offense. A search warrant was executed at Cherry’s home in Palmyra, where authorities seized a range of dangerous items, including an AR-15-style rifle, a handgun, ammunition, and a ballistic vest.
Cherry was then questioned at the state police Sellersburg Post before being transported to the Harrison County Jail, where he remains without bond. If convicted of the intimidation charges, which include threats involving deadly weapons, Cherry could face up to six years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
The disturbing posts began in December 2022, when Cherry allegedly responded to Musk’s comments on the death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, writing, “We’re gunning you down, Muskrat.” The threats continued into the new year, including a January post that read, “I’ve got enough bullets for his btch as and all the rest of you manchildren.”
On February 3, Cherry reportedly sent a more explicit message to Musk, saying, “You’ve broken the law. You’re on the hit list,” followed by another post that said, “You’re robbing the American people. We will gut you and parade your corpse through the streets.” A final post, dated February 16, contained a bomb threat: “I’m going to plant a bomb in Elon Musk’s house.”
These chilling threats led to an investigation, which included authorities from Texas contacting Indiana police just two days after Cherry’s bomb threat was posted. Cherry was later released from jail after posting a $2,500 bond and pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Defense attorney Bart Betteau has stated that Cherry plans to argue the case using the First Amendment, arguing that the posts fall under the protection of political speech. However, Harrison County Prosecutor Otto Schalk strongly disagrees, asserting that while the First Amendment guarantees free speech, it does not protect true threats of violence. Schalk emphasized, “You have no greater right to possess surface-to-air missiles under the Second Amendment than you do to make true threats under the First.”
This case serves as a sobering reminder of the serious consequences of online threats, regardless of political views, and the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions, especially when those actions put others’ safety at risk.
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