A Minnesota man has been arrested and charged after allegedly posting a disturbing “murder-for-hire” threat against U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi. Authorities say the suspect, identified as 29-year-old Tyler Maxon Avalos from St. Paul, offered a $45,000 reward for Bondi’s death in a video shared on TikTok.
Federal investigators revealed that Avalos posted an image of Bondi’s face with a red sniper-scope dot over her forehead, alongside the message “WANTED: Pam Bondi — REWARD $45,000 — DEAD OR ALIVE (PREFERABLY DEAD).”
The post also included a caption that read, “cough cough — when they don’t serve us then what?” A TikTok user in Detroit spotted the post on October 9 and immediately reported it to the FBI, who traced the account back to Avalos using digital evidence such as IP and device data.
Agents arrested Avalos on October 16, charging him under federal law for interstate transmission of a threat to injure another person. He was later brought before a magistrate judge in Minneapolis and released under strict conditions, including travel restrictions, mental health treatment, no alcohol or weapons, a curfew, and limited internet access monitored by authorities.
Investigators noted that Avalos used a TikTok handle that incorporated an anarchist symbol and frequently shared anti-government material. Court records also show that he has an extensive criminal history in multiple states, including a 2022 felony stalking conviction in Minnesota and a 2016 felony domestic battery case in Florida.
Prosecutors argue that the threat goes beyond free speech protections and qualifies as a “true threat” under federal law. So far, no evidence suggests that Avalos attempted to carry out the threat or involve others in any plot. Pam Bondi has not made a detailed public statement but thanked federal authorities for responding quickly to the situation.
The case highlights growing concerns about the spread of violent rhetoric on social media and the challenges law enforcement faces in distinguishing between online bluster and credible threats. Avalos could face up to five years in prison if convicted.
