Marines Disavow Former Member Running for Congress Over Video Calling Trump 'Antichrist'
William Upham, a write-in candidate in Florida's 5th District, called for the president's assassination in a since-circulated social media video.
The Marine Corps on Tuesday publicly renounced a former Marine running for Congress in Florida after he posted a video calling President Donald Trump the "Antichrist" and saying he "must be killed," according to the Washington Examiner.
William Upham is a write-in candidate for Florida's 5th Congressional District. In a lengthy video posted to social media, Upham made the claims about Trump as part of his campaign messaging, the Washington Examiner reported.
The Marine Corps' decision to formally distance itself from a former service member running for office is unusual and reflects the sensitivity of any suggestion of violence against a sitting president. Calls for or threats against the life of the president can constitute a federal crime, regardless of a speaker's political affiliation or campaign status.
Upham's write-in candidacy gives him a path onto the general election ballot in Florida without the signature or filing-fee requirements imposed on other candidates, though write-in campaigns rarely draw significant public support. Details on any law enforcement response to the video have not been disclosed.
— Compiled from reporting by the Washington Examiner.