A former U.S. Coast Guard lieutenant who was accused of threatening to kill President Donald Trump in social media posts was acquitted this week after his defense attorneys argued that his posts were "constitutionally protected."

"In accordance with the not guilty verdict rendered by a jury on October 28, 2025 … it is hereby ordered that the defendant is acquitted, discharged, and any bond exonerated," wrote U.S. District Judge Anthony J. Trenga in a Wednesday filing announcing the conclusion to the case against Peter Stinson, 63, who was charged with soliciting the assassination of the president.

Lawyers for Stinson, who was on house arrest , claimed his alleged threats lacked the "specificity, imminence, and likelihood of producing lawless action" required to fall outside constitutiona

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