DOJ Arrests Anarchist for $45K Hit Plot on U.S. Attorney General

Federal authorities arrested Tyler Maxon Avalos, a 29-year-old man with a prior criminal history including stalking and domestic assault, for allegedly posting a $45,000 bounty on Attorney General Pam Bondi's life via TikTok. The post featured a photo of Bondi with a sniper-scope red dot on her forehead and the caption "WANTED: Pam Bondi / REWARD: 45,000 DEAD OR ALIVE (PREFERABLY DEAD)," alongside a comment suggesting violent intent. Avalos, who has anarchist ties and used the handle "Wacko" on TikTok, faces a federal charge for interstate transmission of a threat to injure another person, carrying a potential prison sentence. Bondi, nominated by President Donald Trump in November 2024 and confirmed by the Senate in February 2025, has not publicly responded to the threat. The FBI received a tip from another TikTok user that triggered the investigation and subsequent arrest on October 16. Avalos' attorney has stated his client is not guilty of any crime.