On February 18, 2025, Indiana State Police arrested 28-year-old David Allen June Cherry following a series of violent online threats directed at billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk.
The arrest, which has garnered significant attention across multiple news outlets, underscores growing concerns about online extremism and the safety of high-profile public figures.
Cherry, charged with felony intimidation, allegedly posted menacing messages on the social media platform X, including threats to “gut” Musk and “parade his corpse through the streets,” according to reports from The Gateway Pundit and the New York Post.
The threats came to light after Texas authorities, where Musk is primarily based, alerted Indiana State Police to Cherry’s alarming posts.
The New York Post reported that one message, dated February 16, stated, “I’m going to plant a bomb in Elon Musk’s house,” while another threatened, “We will gut you and parade your corpse through the streets.”
These chilling statements prompted swift action from law enforcement. Upon searching Cherry’s residence, police seized an AR-15-style rifle, a handgun, ammunition, and a ballistic vest, amplifying the perceived seriousness of the threat, as noted by RT.com.
The Gateway Pundit described Cherry as a “leftist extremist,” highlighting the political undertones some outlets have attached to the incident.
The publication quoted additional threats from Cherry, such as “You’re robbing the American people,” suggesting a motive rooted in ideological opposition to Musk’s business ventures or public persona.
Meanwhile, RT.com emphasized the concrete evidence recovered during the investigation, lending weight to the notion that Cherry may have intended to act on his threats.
The arrest has sparked broader discussions about online rhetoric and accountability.
Musk himself acknowledged the incident, stating on February 26 via X that he has received “death threats” related to his work with the DOGE project, according to the New York Post.
This is not the first time Musk has been targeted; a December 2023 incident reported by VOZ US involved another man, Paul Overeem, arrested for plotting a “mass casualty event” at a Tesla Cybertruck launch.
These recurring threats highlight the polarizing nature of Musk’s influence as a tech mogul and innovator.
Public reaction has been intense, with posts on X reflecting a mix of outrage and calls for justice.
Some users hailed the arrest as a necessary step to curb violent rhetoric, while others framed it within a larger narrative of political division.
The U.S. Attorney’s office, under Acting D.C. U.S. Attorney Ed Martin, is reportedly investigating related cases of online threats, signaling a potential crackdown on similar behavior, as mentioned in posts on X and alluded to in The Gateway Pundit.
Cherry’s arrest on February 18, detailed in initial breaking news by X users like Nick Sortor and Derrick Evans, occurred just days after his final threatening post.
The rapid response from law enforcement, bridging jurisdictions from Texas to Indiana, demonstrates the seriousness with which authorities are treating such incidents.
As of February 27, 2025—the current date—Cherry remains in custody, facing felony charges that could carry significant penalties under Indiana law.
