Crime
Tyler Maxon Avalos arrested for posting TikTok video offering $45,000 reward for the death of AG Pam Bondi
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Federal authorities have arrested a 29-year-old man accused of using TikTok to solicit violence against former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, offering a cash reward for her death.
The suspect, identified as Tyler Maxon Avalos, was taken into custody on October 16 following an FBI investigation into an alleged murder-for-hire plot circulated on social media.
According to court documents, agents were tipped off earlier this month after Avalos allegedly posted a TikTok video featuring an image of Attorney General Bondi with a red sniper-scope dot positioned on her forehead.
The video’s caption reportedly read:
“WANTED: Pam Bondi”
“REWARD: $45,000”
“DEAD OR ALIVE”
“(PREFERABLY DEAD)”
Beneath the image, Avalos allegedly added a cryptic message: “Cough cough. When they don’t serve us, then what?”
Authorities say Avalos, who used the online alias “Wacko”, maintained an account laced with anarchist symbols and anti-government rhetoric.
His TikTok bio reportedly linked to a digital copy of “An Anarchist FAQ”, a document frequently cited in online extremist circles.
Federal investigators noted that Avalos has a significant criminal history, spanning several states.
His prior convictions include:
- Felony stalking (Dakota County, Minnesota – July 2022)
- Felony third-degree domestic battery (Polk County, Florida – July 2022)
- Misdemeanor domestic assault (Dakota County, Minnesota – April 2016), a charge reportedly reduced from felony domestic assault by strangulation.
The FBI confirmed that Avalos was apprehended without incident and is being held pending further federal charges.
Court filings allege that Avalos’s actions constituted a credible threat of violence and were part of a deliberate attempt to incite harm against a public official.
Investigators are currently reviewing his online activity to determine whether others were involved or aware of the plot.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office stated that Avalos could face federal charges related to threats against public officials, solicitation to commit murder, and interstate transmission of threatening communications.
Officials emphasized that the swift intervention of a concerned citizen helped prevent potential violence.
“Public safety depends on vigilance,” an FBI spokesperson said. “We urge anyone who encounters threats of this nature online to report them immediately.”
Authorities are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred early Saturday morning during a domestic altercation at an apartment on Mel Smith Road, located in an unincorporated area outside New Albany.
The Floyd County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) received the initial emergency call at approximately 5:39 a.m. on November 15, 2025, reporting a disturbance involving family members.
While officers were en route, additional information indicated that shots had been fired inside the residence.
Upon arrival, deputies encountered a domestic situation involving a mother and her two adult sons.
Officers immediately secured the scene and began administering medical aid to one of the men who had sustained gunshot wounds.
The second male remained at the location and cooperated fully with responding officers.
The injured individual was transported to a nearby hospital; however, he later died as a result of his injuries.
Detectives with the Floyd County Criminal Investigations Division (CID) have taken over the case and processed the scene for evidence.
Early findings suggest the shooting may have occurred in self-defense, though officials emphasize that the investigation is still in its preliminary stages.
The Floyd County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the incident was isolated and that there is no ongoing threat to the public.
Authorities state that additional updates will be released as the investigation progresses and more information becomes available.
The case remains active.