Everett Resident Indicted for Presidential Assassination Threats
Everett, Washington resident Phillip Richard Wharton was indicted on two federal counts of threatening to murder the President of the United States.
The indictment, handed down on February 25, 2026, centers on a pair of graphic death threats posted to social media platforms in August and September of 2025.
The Investigation and Threats
The federal investigation was initiated after the United States Capitol Police flagged an August 19, 2025, post on the platform X (formerly Twitter).
The First Threat (August 19): The X post featured a photograph of Wharton and the text: “What the guy in the White House sees after I kill the US PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICAN AND WEAR HIS FACE AS A MASK.”
The Confrontation: Secret Service agents tracked the account to Wharton, a 20-year-old living in Everett. On September 8, 2025, agents interviewed Wharton at Twin Foxes, an Everett bar, following a phone call with Wharton’s father.
The Admission: During the interview, Wharton admitted to making the posts, telling agents the threats were driven by anger over a belief that President Trump was involved in sex trafficking. Agents warned Wharton about the severe consequences of threatening the President, and Wharton reportedly agreed to stop.
The Second Threat (September 23): Despite the warning, the FBI reported that Wharton posted another threat on Instagram just weeks later. The post stated: “I am going to kill the president tomorrow. This is not a joke, but a confession admissible in a court of law.”
Court documents also reference other concerning social media activity, including images of Wharton holding what appears to be a firearm and a knife to their head.
Arrest and Pretrial Release
Following the issuance of a criminal complaint, Wharton was arrested on February 10, 2026.
During an initial appearance that same day, Magistrate Judge Michelle L. Peterson ordered Wharton released on a personal recognizance bond.
Wharton is currently out on bond under strict pretrial supervision requirements. The court-mandated conditions of release include:
Surrendering all current and expired passports. Wharton surrendered a U.S. passport on February 12, 2026.
Undergoing a mental health, psychiatric, or psychological evaluation and following all treatment recommendations.
Maintaining no direct or indirect contact with the alleged victim, which in this case is the President.
A preliminary examination hearing for the case is scheduled for March 3, 2026, before Judge Peterson.
A preliminary examination hearing for the case is scheduled for March 3, 2026, before Judge Peterson.