A federal aviation mechanical engineer sits in custody after authorities say he used government computers to research how to kill President Trump, then escalated to emailing direct death threats to the White House—yet faces a maximum of just five years behind bars if convicted.

Government Employee’s Disturbing Search History

Dean DelleChiaie, 35, of Nashua, New Hampshire, allegedly conducted multiple searches on his Federal Aviation Administration work computer seeking methods to assassinate the president. Prosecutors say the searches included questions about how to smuggle firearms into federal facilities, statistics on Americans wanting Trump dead, and previous assassination attempts. DelleChiaie typed the exact phrase “I am going to kill Donald John Trump” into his government computer, according to the criminal complaint filed in federal court.

Secret Service Interview Failed to Stop Threats

The Secret Service confronted DelleChiaie in February after discovering his threatening computer activity. During that interview, the FAA engineer admitted to making the threats and revealed he struggled with depression, regularly consumed alcohol and marijuana, and was undergoing therapy. Despite these admissions and the clear threat assessment, authorities released him without arrest. The decision proved disastrous. On April 21, DelleChiaie allegedly sent an email directly to the White House using his personal account with the subject line “Contact the President.”

Direct Threat Sent to White House Email

The email’s content left no room for interpretation. “I, Dean DelleChiaie, am going neutralize/kill you—Donald John Trump—because you decided to kill kids—and say that it was War—when in reality—it is terrorism. God knows your actions and where you belong,” the message read, according to prosecutors. This direct threat crossed state lines, triggering federal interstate threat charges. The timing proved particularly concerning, coming less than two weeks after an attempted attack at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner and days after a Pennsylvania Democratic Senate candidate faced arrest for similar threats against Trump and Congress members.

Minimal Consequences Raise Security Questions

DelleChiaie appeared in federal court Tuesday and received assignment of a public defender. If convicted on all charges, he faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine—penalties critics argue seem light given the repeated nature of the threats and his access to federal facilities as an FAA employee. The case highlights growing concerns about screening and monitoring of federal employees, particularly those with security clearances and access to sensitive government locations. The fact that DelleChiaie remained employed and free for months after his initial Secret Service interview raises questions about threat assessment protocols.