FROM FOX NEWS: The First Amendment won out this week in a court case over a man who repeatedly called for President Donald Trump’s assassination and openly fantasized about his violent demise.
A jury acquitted the man, Peter Stinson, of one charge of soliciting a crime of violence, raising questions about when speech is protected by the Constitution and when it becomes incriminating.
A former longtime Coast Guard officer, Stinson called for someone to “take the shot” in reference to Trump, according to court papers. “Realistically the only solution is violence,” Stinson wrote.
In a post. Stinson said, “He wants us dead. I can say the same thing about him.”
In another post, Stinson said he “would twist the knife after sliding it into [Trump’s] fatty flesh” and that he “would be willing to pitch in” to pay a hitman.
A witness for the defense said many people have thoughts about killing Trump, but that she wouldn’t recommend posting them.
Brennen VanderVeen, program counsel with the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, said the lawsuit was not tied to an actual crime.
“Solicitation is when it’s directly tied to the crime. So, if he contacts an actual hit man and tries to arrange some sort of hit contract, that’s solicitation,” VanderVeen told Fox News Digital. “Without more … that probably does not meet the elements of actual solicitation.”
NOT GUILTY
Jury has acquitted a former Coast Guard officer who was charged by Justice Dept in Virginia with making threat against Trump
Took them just an afternoon to reach verdict
Peter Stinson is found not guilty and released
Back story: https://t.co/mb2OM92DV5 pic.twitter.com/uLqdH2Y5gp
— Scott MacFarlane (@MacFarlaneNews) October 29, 2025
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