An Indiana man has been arrested after allegedly making violent threats against billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk. The accused, David Allen June Cherry, 28, reportedly sent a series of menacing posts on social media that raised alarms and prompted Musk to reach out to law enforcement.
Cherry is said to have used an account tied to his business, where he sent at least five threatening messages directed at Musk. According to the Indiana State Police, these posts caught the attention of authorities, leading to an investigation earlier this month.
One of the more alarming messages, sent on December 6, asserted, “We’re gunning you down, Muskrat,” in response to Musk’s comments on a tragic assassination of a corporate executive. Additionally, Cherry stated he had “enough bullets” for Musk and his supporters in another post dated January 22.
As the situation escalated, Cherry allegedly sent two more threatening messages on February 3. In one of these, he claimed, “You’ve broken the law. You’re on the hit list,” and in the other, he went as far as expressing intent to “gut” Musk and display his remains publicly. A final post, dated February 16, threatened to detonate a bomb at Musk’s residence.
Recognizing the seriousness of these threats, Indiana State Troopers obtained a warrant to track Cherry’s phone, which pinpointed him near Clarksville, close to the Kentucky border. During questioning, Cherry reportedly admitted to posting the messages but insisted he only did so to be “edgy” and never intended harm toward Musk.
Cherry has pleaded not guilty to a charge of intimidation, classified as a level five felony. After posting a $2,500 bond, he was released from custody. His supporters describe him as a hardworking family man, asserting that the accusations against him are unfounded. A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to cover his legal fees and publicize what they claim are his unjust circumstances.
While Cherry’s defense attorney plans to leverage the First Amendment in arguing his case, the prosecution asserts that Cherry’s words crossed a critical line into genuine threats of violence. They argue that constitutional rights, including those under the First Amendment, do not allow for threats that incite fear or harm.
Harrison County Prosecutor Otto Schalk remarked, “You have no greater right to possess surface-to-air missiles under the Second Amendment than you do to make true threats under the First.” This sentiment underscores the important legal boundaries that must be maintained even as rights are upheld.
A trial for Cherry is scheduled for August, and if convicted, he could face significant penalties, including up to six years in prison and fines reaching $10,000. The case highlights the growing concerns around public figures facing threats, with Elon Musk himself sharing that he receives numerous death threats due to his business initiatives.
Musk mentioned during a recent address that he is the target of violence and hostility, which he believes stems from the controversial nature of his work, such as with cryptocurrency. He emphasized the necessity of his endeavors for the nation’s financial stability, despite the backlash and danger that accompany them.
As society grapples with the implications of free speech in the digital age, this incident serves as a reminder that expressing opinions—even in jest—can lead to serious legal consequences, particularly when directed at high-profile individuals. It will be interesting to see how the court navigates the complexities of this case in light of the evolving discussions around online communication and accountability.
