ALBANY, NEW YORK – Troy Kelly, age 20, of Crown Point, NY, plead guilty today to one count of a three-count indictment charging threats against the President of the United States. Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III, Michael Nichols, United States Secret Service Resident Agent in Charge of the Albany Resident Office (USSS), and Erin Keegan, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) made the announcement.
In pleading guilty, Kelly admitted that in May 2024 he posted a threat to kill President Biden on a social media website and that he intended it to be understood as a threat. Responding to a post of President Biden, Kelly told the then-President that he was “[g]onna put a bullet in your head if I ever catch you.”
“We all witnessed the horrible attempt on President Trump’s life last July,” Acting U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III said. “Threatening to kill the President—any President: Republican, Democrat, or otherwise—is not First Amendment protected speech, it is illegal. My office takes threats against any public official seriously, and the conviction of Troy Kelly is a prime example. I thank the Secret Service, HSI, and the New York State Police for their work on this investigation.”
United States Secret Service Resident Agent in Charge of the Albany Resident Office Michael Nichols stated, “Threats made to anyone under the protective purview of the United States Secret Service are a top priority and are investigated thoroughly. We value our investigative partnerships with HSI and the New York State Police, and we greatly appreciate the strong working relationship between the United States Secret Service Albany Resident Office and the Northern District United States Attorney’s Office.”
Erin Keegan, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations stated, "Troy Kelly's guilty plea underscores federal law enforcement's shared commitment to treating each and every threat seriously. Today's conviction should send a stark message to those who choose to threaten elected officials and government personnel: we will find you and ensure you are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."
At sentencing scheduled for December 22, 2025, Kelly faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 5 years. In addition to any term of imprisonment, Chief Judge Brenda K. Sannes may require the defendant to service a post-imprisonment term of supervised release of up to 3 years and he may be fined up to 250,000. Due to his felony conviction, Kelly will also be prohibited from owning firearms.
The United States Secret Service, and HSI are investigating this case with assistance from the New York State Police are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph S. Hartunian and Cyrus P.W. Rieck are prosecuting the case.