Downers Grove Man Charged with Threats Against Immigration Agents
A man from Downers Grove, Illinois, faces serious legal consequences after being charged with making violent threats online against immigration agents and political figures. The suspect, Michael Stover, aged 33, was arrested on July 21, 2023, and now faces one count of making threats over interstate commerce, a charge that carries a potential maximum penalty of five years in prison.
Stover’s arrest followed a series of alarming social media posts. According to a criminal complaint, he allegedly declared “war” on President Donald Trump and threatened to shoot immigration agents on sight. Federal authorities began monitoring Stover after he shared an image of five rifle bullets, each marked with the name of a prominent political figure. This disturbing image was posted on his social media accounts in February, prompting scrutiny from the U.S. Secret Service.
During a court appearance, Stover, dressed in a blue T-shirt, informed U.S. Magistrate Judge David Weisman that he works in “air conditioning.” Prosecutors have requested his continued detention, labeling him a danger to the community. A detention hearing is scheduled for Wednesday.
Stover’s troubling behavior escalated throughout the year. After initially expressing regret for his actions, he made further violent posts in April on his BlueSky account. One message accused the President of planning to create “concentration camps” for political adversaries. He urged followers to “pick up a weapon” against what he described as an attack on their freedom.
In May, local police responded to a domestic disturbance at Stover’s residence. During this incident, they seized multiple firearms, including five rifles, a shotgun, and six handguns. Stover’s wife informed officers that he was taking medication for mental health issues, but it had recently run out. Witnesses reported that he became agitated, throwing knives and guns at a door while expressing fears for their safety.
Following this incident, Stover’s online threats intensified, specifically targeting immigration agents. On BlueSky, he allegedly posted, “Yes, we should be killing ICE agents on sight,” referring to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. This post, dated just weeks before his arrest, highlighted his increasingly volatile mindset.
Stover’s case underscores rising tensions surrounding immigration enforcement and the extreme measures some individuals may advocate. As authorities continue to navigate these complex issues, Stover’s actions have drawn significant attention, raising questions about the intersection of mental health and public safety.
