Missoula man faces 5 years over Facebook posts threatening Trump

David Carrol Sheppard, 56, of Missoula, pleaded not guilty to a federal charge of interstate communication of a threat to injure. The indictment alleges he posted violent messages on his Facebook page regarding President Donald Trump earlier this month.

Federal documents state that on Oct. 10, the Montana Analysis and Technical Information Center alerted the Secret Service to Sheppard's activity. The posts targeted the president ahead of his scheduled trip to Kalispell. Officials noted the messages expressed interest in violence directed at Trump and his supporters.

One Facebook post read, "We are KILLING Trump if he comes to Montana!!!!!" Another stated, "If you support Trump, YOU ARE GOING TO BE DEAD!!!!" The court record indicates Sheppard claimed he was exercising his freedom of speech while making the remarks.

This is the second time federal agents have visited Sheppard over threatening online posts. He stands accused of making the communications across state lines, a key element of the federal charge.

If convicted, Sheppard faces a maximum prison sentence of five years. He also risks a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release following any time served in custody.

The case is currently pending in the U.S. District Court for the District of Montana. No trial date has been set as of the plea hearing.