Overview

• Samuel Cain, a 19-year-old transgender activist, was arrested on May 15 for posting a death threat against Rep. Nancy Mace on social media in April.
• Cain admitted to making the threat but claimed it was not serious; the U.S. Attorney’s Office declined to prosecute, leaving the case to South Carolina authorities.
• During a May 16 bond hearing, a judge denied Cain bond, citing the credibility of the threat, and prohibited any contact with Mace.
• Rep. Mace delivered a victim impact statement, describing the impact on her safety and calling for the strictest penalties to deter such threats against public officials.
• The case has reignited debates over online accountability, free speech, and the rising hostility in political discourse, with Mace advocating for changes to Section 230 protections for social media platforms.