A librarian from Ripley, West Virginia, has been arrested after allegedly posting violent threats against former President Donald Trump on social media, according to local authorities.
Morgan L. Morrow, 39, an employee of the Jackson County Public Library, was charged with one count of making a terroristic threat following an investigation by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department. Officials say the case originated from a video and caption posted online that they believe crossed the line from political expression into criminal conduct.
The investigation began after Morrow allegedly shared a video on Instagram accompanied by a caption that quickly raised alarm among law enforcement. The caption read: “Surely a sniper with a terminal illness cannot be a big ask out of 343 million.” According to authorities, the wording was interpreted as a call for violence against Trump rather than rhetorical speech.
Sheriff Ross Mellinger addressed the situation publicly, emphasizing that the case is being treated strictly as a criminal matter. “When you saddle up on the horse of stupidity, you have to be prepared for the ride that follows,” he said in comments to local media. He also stressed that the investigation is not politically motivated, stating that the department’s focus is solely on public safety and documented threats.
Officials further alleged that the comment section under the post escalated the situation. Investigators say some commenters expanded on the violent rhetoric, referencing other public figures, including White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy Stephen Miller, technology executive Larry Ellison, and entrepreneur Peter Thiel. Authorities noted that while those comments were made by others, the original post created an environment that could encourage further threats.
In a statement released Sunday evening, the sheriff’s department said Morrow engaged in what they described as “social media recruitment of individuals to pursue and assassinate President Trump.” The department added that more details will be released as evidence continues to be reviewed and the investigation moves forward.
According to reporting by Daily Mail, Morrow allegedly admitted during a police interview that she authored and posted the statement, acknowledging it was intended as a threat directed at Trump. She reportedly told investigators that she had “personal reasons” for wishing harm upon him, though the official complaint did not specify what those reasons were.
While Morrow is said to have admitted to making the post, authorities noted that she denied having any personal plan to carry out an act of violence. Law enforcement officials, however, stated that intent to personally act is not required for the charge. According to the complaint, statements that could “encourage, inspire, or entice others” to commit violence may still meet the legal threshold for a terroristic threat.
Sheriff Mellinger explained that the department’s priority is prevention. He said investigators are working to ensure that no one is influenced or motivated by the post to attempt to carry out an act of violence, regardless of whether the original speaker intended to do so herself.
Following the arrest, the Jackson County Public Library issued a public statement distancing the institution from the alleged comments. The library emphasized that the views expressed by Morrow were made in an individual capacity and do not reflect the organization’s mission or values. The statement reaffirmed the library’s commitment to professionalism, respect, and integrity, adding that the matter is being handled internally in accordance with established policies.
Authorities noted that making a terroristic threat is a serious charge, particularly when directed at a current or former president. Legal experts have increasingly warned that social media platforms can amplify violent rhetoric quickly, creating real-world risks even when statements are framed as hypothetical or sarcastic.
Trump has faced multiple threats and assassination attempts over the years, both during his presidency and afterward. The most serious incident occurred during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania in 2024, when a gunman opened fire, killing one spectator before being fatally shot. Trump was injured when a bullet grazed his right ear, marking the only time he has been physically wounded in such incidents.
The investigation into Morrow’s alleged actions remains ongoing, and officials have said additional information will be released as more facts are confirmed.
