San Antonio, TX, August 22, 2025
News Summary
Robert Herrera, a 52-year-old man from San Antonio, has pleaded guilty in federal court to making threats against the President of the United States. This charge stems from threatening comments and images posted on social media, particularly in response to the President’s planned visit to Texas. Herrera faces up to five years in prison and a fine of $250,000, with sentencing scheduled for December 2025. His case highlights the seriousness with which federal authorities treat threats against national leaders.
San Antonio
Robert Herrera, 52, has pleaded guilty in federal court to making threats against the President of the United States after posting threatening comments and images on social media. The plea was entered on a single federal count for making a threat against the President, and sentencing is scheduled for December 2025 before U.S. District Judge Orlando L. Garcia. Herrera faces a potential sentence of up to five years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000.
Key developments
Federal authorities say Herrera used a Facebook account under the online handle identified as Robert Herrer to post a threatening comment in response to a July 10, 2024 social-media post about the President’s planned visit to Texas. Investigators report the post included a comment implying intent to act and a photograph showing the President surrounded by Secret Service agents after an assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania earlier in July.
Authorities were alerted to the posts after an anonymous tip reached a San Antonio police detective. The initial threat was recorded in an arrest affidavit prepared during a broader probe into potentially dangerous social-media posts. Following the tip, Herrera was arrested on July 11, 2024, the day after the social-media activity was reported.
Additional online threats and images
According to the affidavit, Herrera responded to another Facebook user who suggested Herrera wouldn’t have an opportunity to carry out any threat. Investigators say Herrera then replied to that user indicating he would come for them and attached an image of an assault rifle with loaded magazines. Those added posts and images were included in the federal case and cited by prosecutors at the time of the plea.
Prosecution and pending state matters
Herrera pleaded guilty to one federal count of making a threat against the President. Federal sentencing exposure includes imprisonment and fines as noted above. Separate state charges were filed at Herrera’s initial arrest; prosecutors have indicated those state charges may be dismissed following the federal guilty plea, but the status of the state case will depend on subsequent judicial or prosecutorial actions.
What led to federal charges
Authorities say the case began after an anonymous tip prompted a local detective to examine social-media posts. The posts were cataloged in the arrest affidavit as part of an investigation into online statements that could pose a public-safety risk. Federal prosecutors ultimately brought the single charge under statutes that criminalize threats against the President.
Next steps in the case
Sentencing is set for December 2025 before U.S. District Judge Orlando L. Garcia. At sentencing, the judge will consider federal sentencing guidelines, any statements from the parties, and the presentence report prepared by probation officers. The maximum statutory penalties for the count to which Herrera pleaded guilty are five years’ imprisonment and up to a $250,000 fine.
Context and public-safety considerations
The case highlights how law enforcement can respond to threats made or implied on social platforms, including use of tips from the public and review of online activity. Federal statutes make it a crime to knowingly make threats against the President, and prosecutions can proceed in federal court even where local or state charges are also pending.
Frequently Asked Questions
What charge did Robert Herrera plead guilty to?
He pleaded guilty to one federal count of making a threat against the President of the United States.
What is the potential punishment for this charge?
The federal charge carries a potential sentence of up to five years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000.
When was Herrera arrested and why?
Herrera was arrested on July 11, 2024, after an anonymous tip led authorities to review threatening social-media posts he made the previous day.
What online handle was used in the posts?
Investigators identified the online handle used as Robert Herrer on Facebook.
Are there any other charges pending?
There are pending state charges stemming from Herrera’s initial arrest; those charges may be dismissed following his federal guilty plea, depending on prosecutorial decisions.
When is sentencing scheduled?
Sentencing is scheduled for December 2025 before U.S. District Judge Orlando L. Garcia.
Key case facts
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Defendant | Robert Herrera, 52 |
| Charge | One count of making a threat against the President (federal) |
| Potential sentence | Up to 5 years imprisonment; up to $250,000 fine |
| Arrest date | July 11, 2024 |
| Social-media handle | Identified as Robert Herrer on Facebook |
| Judge | U.S. District Judge Orlando L. Garcia |
| Sentencing date | December 2025 |
Timeline
| Date | Event | Status / Source |
|---|---|---|
| July 10, 2024 | Threatening social-media comment posted in response to a post about the President’s planned Texas visit | Recorded in arrest affidavit |
| July 11, 2024 | Herrera arrested following an anonymous tip and investigation | Local law enforcement |
| July 2024 | Additional reply to another user included an image of an assault rifle with loaded magazines | Included in federal charging materials |
| Guilty plea date | Federal guilty plea entered to one count of making a threat against the President | Federal court records |
| December 2025 | Scheduled sentencing before U.S. District Judge Orlando L. Garcia | Federal court docket |
Simple visual statistics
Potential prison time (visual)
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Case outcome (visual)
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Additional Resources
- Fox 7 Austin
- Wikipedia: San Antonio
- KSAT News
- Google Search: Robert Herrera president threat
- San Antonio Current
- Google Scholar: threats against presidents in social media
- News 4 San Antonio
- Encyclopedia Britannica: federal crime presidential threat
- Odessa American
- Google News: Robert Herrera Trump threat
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The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
