West Virginia Librarian Faces Charges Over Alleged TikTok Threats Against Former President Trump
A librarian from West Virginia has been taken into custody following allegations that she attempted to recruit individuals on social media to carry out violent acts against former President Donald Trump. The incident underscores growing concerns about online platforms being used to incite harm against public figures.
Details of the Alleged Threats and Arrest
According to official reports, Morgan L. Morrow, a 39-year-old resident of Ripley, West Virginia, was arrested on Monday, January 26, after authorities reviewed a TikTok video where she appeared to advocate for the assassination of Donald Trump. In the video, Morrow reportedly stated, "Surely a sniper with a terminal illness can’t be a big ask out of 343 million", which was interpreted as a direct threat against the former president.
Morrow, who worked at the Jackson County Public Library, was charged with one count of threats of terroristic acts. She was detained at her home and, during questioning, allegedly admitted to law enforcement that the TikTok post was "intended as a threat directed toward President Donald J. Trump." The criminal complaint further notes that Morrow disclosed personal reasons for wishing harm upon Trump, though these specifics were not elaborated upon in the documents.
Law Enforcement Response and Statements
Jackson County Sheriff Ross Mellinger addressed the seriousness of the situation, emphasizing that such threats cannot be tolerated regardless of political views. "When you saddle up on the horse of stupidity, you have to be prepared for the ride that follows," Mellinger told local media. He added that the primary goal of the investigation is to prevent any potential acts of violence, stating, "We’re just trying to do our part in making sure that it’s not acted upon, and there’s no one that’s following her footsteps to try to carry out the plan."
Sheriff Mellinger clarified the boundaries of free speech versus criminal behavior, noting, "It’s okay to be critical of the government. It’s okay to be critical of things you don’t agree with, but when you start promoting the violence and you’re promoting a plan to carry out the violence and recruiting other people to carry out the plan for you, that’s clearly crossing the line." Deputies involved in the case highlighted that statements like Morrow's are designed to encourage others to commit violent acts, regardless of whether the speaker intends to personally execute them.
Library's Internal Response and Broader Implications
In response to the incident, the Jackson County Public Library issued a statement distancing itself from Morrow's actions. Officials wrote, "The comments recently made by an employee do not reflect the mission, values, or standards of conduct of our organization," indicating that they are addressing the matter internally. This case raises important questions about employee conduct and the use of social media by public servants.
The arrest has sparked discussions about the role of platforms like TikTok in facilitating harmful content and the legal consequences for online threats. As investigations continue, this incident serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance in monitoring and addressing potential threats in the digital age, particularly those involving high-profile individuals.
