Chaos at DC Political Conference as Death Threats Target Anti-Trump Speakers
- thesident1
- Feb 23
- 3 min read
A political conference in Washington, DC, positioning itself as a counter to the Trump-aligned CPAC, was abruptly evacuated Sunday after an email threatening speakers and claiming bombs were planted at the venue sent attendees into a panic.
Bomb Threat Shakes Up Principles First Summit
Shortly after noon on Sunday, the organizers of the Principles First Summit received a chilling email warning that two pipe bombs had been planted inside the JW Marriott hotel—where the event was being held.
The email specifically mentioned former national security adviser John Bolton and ex-DC police officer Michael Fanone, who defended the U.S. Capitol during the January 6 insurrection.
Even more disturbingly, the sender claimed a pipe bomb was placed in the mailbox of Bolton’s Maryland home.
Evacuation Ordered—Threats Prove False
Principles First immediately alerted security and law enforcement, prompting the evacuation of the hotel floor where the conference was underway.
However, after a full investigation, police determined the threat was baseless. The Metropolitan Police Department of DC later confirmed the incident had concluded with no bombs found.
Meanwhile, officers also searched Bolton’s residence in Maryland, only to determine that the threat against him was also unfounded.
The email was traced to an unidentifiable sender, who claimed the threats were made in honor of "J6 hostages"—a term used by some Trump supporters to describe January 6 rioters who were convicted of crimes.
Confrontations and Rising Tensions
The incident came on the heels of another heated moment on Saturday, when Enrique Tarrio—the former leader of the Proud Boys—showed up at the conference to confront Fanone and former U.S. Capitol Police Sgt. Harry Dunn.
Tarrio, who was convicted of seditious conspiracy for his role in January 6 but was recently pardoned by Trump, was seen mocking the officers, calling them "cowards" as he and his supporters followed them through the hotel.
“You’re a traitor to this country,” Fanone shot back.
Trump’s Pardons Fuel Outrage
Both Fanone and Dunn have been outspoken critics of Trump and the January 6 rioters—testifying before Congress and denouncing the former president’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election.
Fanone, who has been repeatedly targeted by threats, expressed concern over Trump's broad pardons for January 6 convicts.
"My family, my children, and myself are less safe today because of Donald Trump and his supporters," he told reporters.
Tarrio’s Arrest at CPAC
Tarrio wasn’t done making headlines.
On Friday, he was arrested outside the U.S. Capitol for allegedly assaulting a counterprotester during a press conference he held with other pardoned January 6 rioters.
After his release, Tarrio dismissed the charges, insisting the counterprotester made physical contact first.
Meanwhile, one of his fellow Proud Boys, Joe Biggs—whose 17-year sentence was commuted by Trump—bragged at CPAC, "We're like gods."
A Country on Edge
The Principles First Summit had already ramped up security due to the presence of controversial figures, but Sunday’s events highlighted the growing volatility surrounding Trump’s influence and his supporters.
Despite the threats and intimidation, organizers vowed not to back down.
“We are not going to be cowed. We are not going to bend our knee,” declared event founder Heath Mayo.
With Trump’s allies emboldened and political tensions rising, the battle for the future of the Republican Party—and American democracy—continues to escalate.
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