Federal Judge Releases Downers Grove Man on Bond Amid Alleged Threats
A federal judge in Chicago has released a 33-year-old man from Downers Grove, who is accused of writing the names of prominent U.S. political figures on rifle bullets and making violent threats on social media. The defendant, Michael D. Stover, was released on a $10,000 secured bond with strict conditions, including home confinement and electronic monitoring.
Stover faces one count of using interstate commerce to make a threat. The charges stem from his use of social media accounts between February 2025 and July 2025, where he allegedly made numerous threats targeting elected officials and law enforcement personnel. During a recent court hearing, U.S. Magistrate Judge M. David Weisman denied the government’s request for pretrial detention, instead granting third-party guardianship to Stover’s mother, who will be responsible for him during his release.
Conditions of Pretrial Release
As part of the terms of his release, Stover is required to remain at his mother’s home unless accompanied by an approved individual for specific appointments or court appearances. He is prohibited from using any devices with internet access, possessing weapons or destructive devices, and may be required to attend medical or psychiatric treatment sessions.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Tom Peabody argued that the evidence presented in the criminal complaint clearly shows Stover poses a danger to the community. “This case plainly crosses the line as a true threat,” Peabody stated. “For months, he has threatened to do a thing; I think there is a real risk he will do the thing he has threatened to do.”
Peabody also highlighted a domestic incident involving Stover, where he reportedly threatened to kill his wife and threw weapons at the door. Despite this, Stover was released without charges after his wife declined to pursue legal action. However, Peabody used this incident to emphasize the need for Stover to remain in custody until trial.
Body-Worn Camera Footage and Social Media Posts
WGN-TV obtained body-worn camera footage from a May 8 incident involving Stover at his apartment in Downers Grove. According to the video, Stover expressed fears that political figures wanted to harm him and his wife. “My issue is when somebody tries to tell me I’m not in danger, but I’m very much in danger,” he told responding officers.
The incident occurred on the same day Illinois State Police approved a request by Downers Grove police and the FBI to revoke Stover’s FOID card due to his violent social media posts. Stover initially blamed childhood trauma and PTSD for arguments with his wife, but later shifted blame to the president, claiming that the current administration was violating the Constitution.
Legal Arguments and Court Ruling
During the court hearing, Assistant U.S. Attorney Peabody argued that even with home confinement, Stover could still access weapons or internet devices if he wished. Stover’s attorney, Jasmine Johnson, countered that her client had not attempted to re-arm himself and that the social media posts were months old.
Judge Weisman acknowledged the allegations in the criminal complaint as “disconcerting” but emphasized that Stover’s lack of criminal history, family ties, and other factors led to the decision to release him. “I find the defendant’s character generally weighs in favor of release,” Weisman said.
Background on the Case
According to the criminal complaint, the U.S. Secret Service first became aware of Stover’s social media activity in February 2025 when he posted a picture of five rifle bullets with the names of well-known political figures written on them. Stover admitted to making the post and claimed he was remorseful, stating he would remove the names from the bullets.
His social media activity continued, with the FBI receiving reports of threatening messages from a Bluesky account linked to him. One post read: “The us [sic] president just said he wants to purpose build concentration camps for his political enemies. Thats not a normal [expletive] thing to do!!! Its war right here and now against this attacker or we die in slavery. Put down your posters and selfie sticks and pick up a weapon!”
In early May, the FBI and Downers Grove police submitted a Clear and Present Danger request to Illinois State Police, leading to the revocation of Stover’s FOID card. That same day, police responded to a domestic disturbance call at Stover’s home, where he reportedly threatened his wife and threw weapons at the door.
After being taken into custody, Stover was interviewed by local police and the FBI, where he claimed he did not intend to kill anyone but would act in self-defense. He also stated that he planned to retrieve his weapons once his mental health improved.
Ongoing Legal Proceedings
Stover continued making threatening posts through July 2025, including messages about killing ICE agents. One post read: “Abolition is not enough, the goons themselves must be exterminated to the absolute last one. Masks off, photographs taken, then shoot em.”
The next court date for Stover’s case is set for September 19. Neither the FBI’s Chicago Field Office nor the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois has issued a comment on the matter.
