Isaac Sissel, 26, was sentenced to thirty months in prison for making threats against conservative Christians, according to an announcement from United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr. The sentencing took place in Detroit and followed Sissel’s guilty plea to one count of transmitting threats in interstate commerce.
Court documents state that in September 2024, Sissel created Reddit accounts with names such as “ShootUpTrumpRally” and “PlanningToKillTrump.” On November 2, he sent an anonymous tip to the FBI threatening to attack conservative Christians if former President Trump won the election, claiming possession of a stolen AR-15 rifle. The threat came two days before a campaign rally for President Trump in Michigan and three days ahead of the 2024 Presidential election. Four months earlier, President Trump had been shot at a campaign rally with an AR-style weapon. Although Sissel is a convicted felon prohibited from owning firearms, investigators found no evidence that he actually possessed any weapons.
Sissel’s sentence included a Hate Crimes Motivation enhancement after the court determined he targeted victims based on their actual or perceived religion.
“We live in evil times,” U.S. Attorney Gorgon said. “Even in America, Christians are routinely targeted for death by violent extremists like this man. The First Amendment is a safeguard of religious liberty and free speech—and so it does not protect true threats that undermine religious liberty.”
Reuben Coleman, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office, commented on the outcome: “The sentencing of Issac Sissel reflects the FBI’s zero tolerance for individuals who threaten Americans, including leadership at the highest levels of government. I would like to thank the dedicated members of the FBI Detroit Joint Terrorism Task Force, alongside the FBI Ann Arbor Resident Agency, who worked tirelessly throughout this investigation. This effort would not be possible without the crucial assistance of the United States Secret Service, University of Michigan Police Department, and the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office in apprehending Mr. Sissel and supporting this investigation. I send my sincerest appreciation to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan for their successful prosecution. The FBI will remain committed to protecting our communities across America and investigate those who seek to instill fear and violence.”
The Federal Bureau of Investigation led the investigation into this case with support from other agencies including local law enforcement and federal partners. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Hank Moon and Micah Wallace prosecuted Sissel.
