Carl Howard Payne Jr., 58, from Colorado Springs, Colorado, faces federal charges for allegedly making death threats against President Donald Trump, Tesla CEO Elon Musk, and Tesla owners nationwide.
Payne is accused of sending emails titled “Declaration of War,” outlining plans to kill Trump, Musk, and others, with threats directed at public officials and civilians. These communications were sent to media outlets starting in March 2025.
Federal prosecutors reported that a March 20 email from Payne allegedly stated, “We have declared war on the 47th Presidential Cabinet of the United States of America and are sharing details of Our first Operation.”
Payne’s threats, distributed via email and physical letters, claimed responsibility for forthcoming attacks. According to court documents, one email declared, “We will continue this Operation until Elon Musk’s death,” and further asserted that Musk “is no longer welcome to be alive.” Authorities traced these emails, originating from a Proton Mail account, back to Payne using IP address data and other investigative evidence.
The emails were directed to the New York offices of ProPublica, Thomson Reuters, and other media organizations across various states. Thomson Reuters, based in Toronto, Canada, is known for its global news coverage through its Reuters News division, serving professionals in legal, financial, tax, accounting, and media sectors.
The threats mentioned attacks occurring “at their homes, on the road, while shopping, or at Nazi charging stations,” a derogatory term Payne allegedly used for Tesla charging locations. His writings included references to using guns and guitar strings as weapons, and mentioned past violent figures like Timothy McVeigh.
Authorities claim Payne was planning a larger campaign named “Operation: Swasticar,” targeting Tesla owners and Musk. In a section labeled “Advice,” he allegedly warned areas with numerous Teslas to expect electric vehicle fires and toxic smoke, suggesting the need for HAZMAT teams. The emails also revealed Payne’s belief that media outlets failed to hold officials accountable, which he claimed justified his planned violence. He cited a recent case involving Luigi Mangione, accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, to rationalize his threats against public figures.
Federal agents apprehended Payne by tracking his online activities. His internet history included searches about Timothy McVeigh and information on weapons. During a search of his residence, law enforcement found three firearms, including a .40-caliber Smith & Wesson pistol, consistent with details in his emails.
Besides emails, Payne is accused of attempting to send similar threats by postal mail to insurance companies, falsely listing the return address as “The White House,” though postmarked from Denver, Colorado. Investigators linked these letters to him through postal data and surveillance.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado charged Payne with interstate communication of threats, which could result in up to five years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and supervised release. Payne, formerly in technology management, has no significant criminal record aside from a past expired vehicle registration citation. When questioned by the FBI, Payne denied sending the threats.
Payne appeared in federal court in Denver, Colorado, on April 22 for a detention hearing. The FBI’s Denver Field Office is continuing the investigation.
Documents also note that Payne’s threats coincided with April 17, 2025, which he marked as the start of his planned actions. Federal prosecutors included this timeline in the charges, highlighting his reference to “newsworthy killings” beginning on that date.
Officials are reviewing Payne’s connections to online communities and digital platforms where similar rhetoric may have been shared. Currently, there is no indication of other individuals involved, and Payne is considered to have acted alone.