Federal authorities have arrested a 23-year-old Kentucky man who allegedly threatened to assassinate President Donald Trump while accumulating weapons and tactical equipment, according to court documents filed this week.
Kadrioan Santiago of Berea faces federal charges of interstate threatening communications after investigators discovered a series of violent posts on social media platforms between January and March 2026. The threats targeted the president, Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, and other government officials.
According to the criminal complaint, Santiago posted increasingly violent content on Instagram under the username ‘kadi_skating.’ In one post dated March 27, he allegedly described graphic plans to harm the president, including threats to mutilate and feed body parts to animals. The posts escalated over several weeks, with Santiago allegedly writing phrases such as ‘DEATH TO TRUMP’ and warning that no one would be spared from violence.
Federal prosecutors detailed multiple threatening statements Santiago allegedly made on the platform. In January 2026, he reportedly claimed to be filled with political violence. By March, his posts had become more specific, including encouragement for others to target federal law enforcement officers and threats to kill the next officer who interacted with him.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation launched its investigation on April 3 after receiving information about Santiago’s online activity. Agents discovered that Santiago had been posting images and videos of weapons and ammunition on social media, including footage uploaded on March 23 and 24. One post allegedly showed an assault-style firearm on what investigators believe was Santiago’s lap, accompanied by the caption ‘Registered car, unregistered firearms.’
Santiago’s arrest occurred during a traffic stop conducted by Garrard County Sheriff’s Office deputies on April 14. During the stop, authorities discovered an extensive collection of weapons and tactical equipment in his possession. The items recovered included a handgun, an AR-15-style rifle, an additional long gun, multiple ammunition magazines, a Kevlar helmet, gas masks, and various survival gear.
Garrard County Sheriff Willie Skeens characterized the combination of federal charges and the weapons discovered as extremely alarming, noting that fortunately no injuries occurred during the arrest. The sheriff’s office coordinated with federal authorities following the traffic stop.
Santiago is scheduled to appear in federal court on Monday for a detention and preliminary hearing. The charges he faces carry potentially significant federal penalties for threatening government officials and law enforcement.
Olivia Olson, FBI special agent in charge for the Louisville Field Office, emphasized that individuals who use online anonymity to make threats against government officials will face prosecution. She stated that the FBI and partner agencies will utilize all available resources to identify, locate, and arrest those who post threatening communications online.
The case highlights ongoing concerns about online threats against public officials and the federal government’s response to such threats. Federal law enforcement agencies have increased monitoring of social media platforms for potential security threats, particularly those targeting elected officials and government personnel.
The investigation remains ongoing as federal prosecutors prepare to present their case in court. Additional charges could be filed as investigators continue to examine Santiago’s online activity and any potential connections to broader threats against government officials.
Leave a Reply