Federal authorities have confirmed the release of a photo of Tyler Maxon Avalos, the 29-year-old Minnesota man accused of offering a $45,000 bounty on former U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi. Avalos, who used the online alias “Wacko,” was arrested on October 16 after investigators linked him to a TikTok post depicting Bondi under a sniper scope with the caption “Reward: $45,000 Dead or Alive (preferably dead).”
Officials say the case underscores rising concerns over digital extremism and threats made against public officials.
Tyler Maxon Avalos Arrest and Online Identity Explained
According to federal court filings, Avalos was detained in St. Paul, Minnesota, after an FBI informant flagged the threatening TikTok post. Investigators used digital forensics, IP logs, and Google Account data to identify him as the user behind the account “Wacko.”
His TikTok bio reportedly included an anarchist “A” symbol and linked to radical literature, suggesting anti-government affiliations. The FBI alleges that Avalos’s content demonstrated intent to incite violence and violate federal threat statutes.
Authorities say Avalos’s video, featuring Pam Bondi’s image under crosshairs, went beyond protected speech and posed a credible threat to a federal official.
Federal Charges and Legal Conditions
Avalos faces charges under 18 U.S.C. § 875, which prohibits transmitting threats across interstate communication channels. He appeared before Magistrate Judge Douglas Micko in the U.S. District Court for Minnesota, where he was released under strict supervision.
His bail conditions include:
No travel outside Minnesota
Mandatory mental health treatment
GPS monitoring and nightly curfew
No access to weapons, alcohol, or unapproved internet activity
Defense attorney Daniel Gerdts argued that Avalos’s post was a form of political expression, while federal prosecutors insist the imagery and language constitute a criminal threat.
Criminal History and Public Reaction
Public records reveal that Tyler Maxon Avalos has prior convictions, including domestic abuse in Florida (2016) and stalking in Minnesota (2022). Authorities also confirm he had been on a federal watchlist due to prior online threats.
Although the Department of Justice has not released an official mugshot, multiple unverified photos have circulated on social media. The incident has reignited national debate about online radicalization, social media moderation, and free speech boundaries.
What Happens Next in the Legal Process
Avalos is scheduled for a psychiatric evaluation before his next federal hearing. The court will decide whether to advance the case to a grand jury for indictment.
If convicted under 18 U.S.C. § 875, Avalos faces up to five years in prison per count. Legal experts suggest the case could set a precedent for defining the limits of political expression in digital spaces.
The photo released of Tyler Maxon Avalos and his alleged threats against Pam Bondi highlight the complex intersection of online ideology, speech rights, and public safety. As federal proceedings move forward, the case of Tyler Maxon will likely influence how authorities interpret social media threats in future prosecutions.
