Librarian Recruits Snipers to Kill Trump

Person in blue suit waving at outdoor event.

A small-town librarian in West Virginia now sits in jail facing terroristic threat charges after posting a social media video that explicitly sought recruits—including a “sniper with a terminal illness”—to assassinate President Donald Trump.

Story Snapshot

Morgan L. Morrow, 39, a librarian at Jackson County Public Library in Ripley, West Virginia, was arrested and charged with making a terroristic threat after posting an Instagram video recruiting assassins to kill Trump.
The video explicitly asked for volunteers among “343 million” Americans, suggesting someone terminally ill could carry out the act, and was amplified by the conservative social media account Libs of TikTok.
Jackson County Sheriff’s Department moved swiftly, arresting Morrow Sunday evening after an investigation; she remains held at South Central Regional Jail with the investigation ongoing.
The library distanced itself from Morrow’s comments, stating they contradict the institution’s mission, while Sheriff RH Mellinger emphasized the probe is criminal, not political.

The Video That Crossed the Line

Morrow’s Instagram post wasn’t a vague political rant or hyperbolic complaint. She made a direct call to action, asking followers if there wasn’t “surely a sniper” among hundreds of millions of Americans willing to target the president. The phrasing suggested someone with nothing to lose—a terminally ill individual—should step forward. This wasn’t protected political speech; it crossed into criminal solicitation. Commenters on the video escalated further, suggesting targets like Stephen Miller, Larry Ellison, and Peter Thiel, illustrating how online extremism can snowball when explicit threats meet an echo chamber.

Swift Response in a Small Town

Ripley, West Virginia, is a rural community of roughly 27,000 residents where the local library serves as a trusted public hub. Morrow’s profile had portrayed her as a friendly former stay-at-home mother offering patient customer service. That wholesome image shattered when Libs of TikTok shared her video, prompting immediate scrutiny. The Jackson County Sheriff’s Department and Bureau of Investigations launched a probe that concluded with Morrow’s arrest by Sunday evening. Sheriff Mellinger stressed this was about documented criminal concerns, not partisan politics, a necessary distinction in today’s polarized climate where every arrest risks being framed through an ideological lens.

Why This Case Stands Apart

Online threats against political figures have become disturbingly common since 2020, but Morrow’s case has distinguishing elements. First, the recruitment language was explicit and targeted, not abstract rage. Second, she held a public-facing role in a community institution, amplifying the shock value and reputational damage. Third, the viral spread via Libs of TikTok accelerated institutional and law enforcement response, demonstrating how conservative influencers now function as informal watchdogs. West Virginia’s terroristic threat statute prohibits threats intended to terrorize or intimidate, and Morrow’s video fits that definition cleanly. The law doesn’t require an actual assassination attempt; the threat itself is the crime.

Institutional Fallout and Broader Implications

Jackson County Public Library issued a swift statement rejecting Morrow’s views as personal and contrary to their mission, a predictable move to protect its reputation. But the damage extends beyond one library. Public sector employers nationwide now face heightened scrutiny over employees’ social media conduct, especially in politically charged environments. Libraries, traditionally seen as neutral community spaces, must navigate staff whose online personas can contradict institutional values. Long-term, this case may set precedent for how aggressively law enforcement pursues online threats and how quickly employers sever ties with accused individuals. The speed of Morrow’s arrest signals a zero-tolerance approach toward presidential threats, a deterrent meant to prevent copycat behavior.

The Role of Social Media Amplification

Libs of TikTok’s involvement cannot be understated. The account, known for spotlighting left-leaning content it deems extreme or hypocritical, turned Morrow’s video from a private post into a national news story within hours. This amplification forced the sheriff’s hand and ensured public accountability. Critics argue such accounts encourage mob justice; supporters counter they expose genuine threats authorities might otherwise miss. In this instance, the video’s explicit recruitment language made it a legitimate law enforcement matter, not mere political commentary. The dynamic illustrates how social media influencers now wield investigative power once reserved for journalists and law enforcement, a shift with both benefits and risks.

What Happens Next

Morrow remains at South Central Regional Jail with no court date announced in available reports. The investigation is ongoing, suggesting authorities may pursue additional charges or seek evidence of coordination with others. The Department of Homeland Security was contacted for comment but has not responded publicly. Morrow’s case will likely hinge on whether prosecutors can prove intent to terrorize versus reckless venting, though her explicit phrasing makes the former easier to argue. For Jackson County, the incident has shaken community trust in a beloved institution. For the broader public, it’s a stark reminder that online speech has real-world consequences, and threats against elected officials—regardless of one’s politics—carry serious criminal penalties.