Federal authorities were alerted after a volunteer radio host affiliated with a University of Massachusetts Lowell–funded station posted a social media message calling for the killing of Vice President JD Vance. The post triggered a Secret Service review, coordination with federal and local law enforcement, and the volunteer’s resignation from the campus radio station. University officials stated there was no immediate threat, but confirmed the incident was taken seriously.
The controversy centers on a volunteer associated with WUML, a noncommercial FM radio station funded by student fees at University of Massachusetts Lowell. The individual posted on the social media platform Bluesky, responding to a political discussion with the statement, “It’s simple, we kill JD Vance.” The message quickly circulated online and was reported to authorities.
According to Fox News Digital, the United States Secret Service was made aware of the post and evaluated the matter. Campus police at UMass Lowell coordinated with the FBI and local Massachusetts law enforcement. After reviewing the situation, officials concluded there was no credible or immediate threat to the vice president.
The volunteer deleted the post and resigned from WUML shortly after the investigation began. University officials confirmed the individual was not an employee, but a volunteer contributor. In a statement, UMass Lowell emphasized that threats of violence are incompatible with the school’s values and that the institution cooperated fully with law enforcement.
The Secret Service confirmed awareness of the threat but declined to provide further details. The FBI also declined to comment when contacted through local authorities. Law enforcement officials did not release the identity of the volunteer, citing the ongoing nature of standard threat assessments.
The incident has renewed concerns about political rhetoric on college campuses and the normalization of violent language directed at public officials. Conservatives have long warned that universities, often dominated by progressive ideology, fail to adequately police extremist speech when it targets figures on the right. While the First Amendment protects political expression, direct threats of violence fall outside constitutional protections and are routinely reviewed by federal authorities.
Vice President JD Vance has been a frequent target of online hostility due to his outspoken positions on foreign policy, border security, and cultural issues. Law enforcement agencies remain tasked with distinguishing between reckless speech and genuine threats, particularly in an era of heightened political tension.
UMass Lowell stated it continues to review its policies related to student organizations and affiliated media. The university reiterated its commitment to safety and lawful expression, while stressing that calls for violence will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
