'I'll put a bullet through his head': Musician who posted Facebook threats to kill Obama is charged

By Emine Sinmaz for the Daily Mail
Updated: 14:37 EST, 29 February 2012

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A Florida musician who said he was going to 'put a bullet through' President Barack Obama's head has been charged and released on bail, according to a federal criminal complaint.

A Secret Service affidavit filed in Miami federal court identified the man as 20-year-old Joaquin Amador Serrapio Junior of Miami.

According to the affidavit, Serrapio posted the threatening comments under the Facebook name 'Jay Valor' during Obama's visit to the University of Miami last Thursday. There's no indication that Serrapio took any steps to carry out the threat or that the president was ever in any danger.

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Armed: Joaquin Serrapio, who has been charged with threatening President Obama, holding a gun

Arrested: Florida man Joaquin Serrapio threatened to 'put a bullet through' US President Barack Obama's head

In the first posting on February 21, Serrapio allegedly said: 'Who wants to help me assassinate Obummer while hes at UM this week?'

Then on Thursday, the day of Obama's visit, the Secret Service affidavit said Serrapio made another posting saying: 'If anyones going to UM to see obama today, get ur phones out and record. Cause at any moment im gonna put a bullet through his head and u don't wanna miss that! Youtube!'

Later that day, Secret Service agents went to Serrapio's home, where he and his mother agreed to allow a search. The agents found an iPad showing the initial Facebook post about assassinating Obama and a sniper-style pellet rifle and a pellet handgun in Serrapio's bedroom.

After his arrest, Serrapio admitted posting the threats, according to the affidavit. Serrapio's court-apppointed attorney declined to comment.

Evidence: Joaquin Serrapio posted 'Secret service where u at! I threatened ur precious tyrant! Ull b sorry u didnt come lookong for me in a couple of hours ;)' to his Twitter account

Threatening: Secret Service agents found a sniper-style pellet rifle and a pellet handgun in Serrapio's bedroom

The agents also searched Serrapio's mobile phone, which included a text message from someone pointing out that Serrapio could get into trouble for the Facebook postings.

'I know I can b killed by this communist administration and im challenging them,' he replied, according to the affidavit. 'Let's see what those mother******* got.'

He also posted a message on his Twitter account saying: 'Secret service where u at! I threatened ur precious tyrant! Ull b sorry u didnt come lookong for me in a couple of hours;)'

Serrapio was arrested on the same day as Obama's visit and has been released on a $70,000 bail, according to court records.

He is scheduled to enter a plea at an arraignment set for March 9 and has been ordered to undergo a mental health assessment.

The charge of threatening to assassinate or inflict bodily harm on the president carries a maximum five-year prison sentence.

According to his Facebook page, Serrapio fronts the 'J. Valor Band' rock group that specialises in classic rock covers.