According to prosecutors, a Colorado man is facing federal charges for sending “Declaration Of War” emails to media outlets across the country, which included death threats against President Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and Tesla owners, as well as descriptions of how they would be killed, such as “terminations will take place at their homes, on the road, while shopping, or at Nazi charging stations.”
“We will continue this operation until Elon Musk’s death,” Carl Payne, 58, allegedly wrote in one of his “threatening” emails, according to an affidavit filed in his federal criminal case.
“He is no longer welcome to be alive,” Payne allegedly stated.
The Colorado Springs man is accused of sending murder messages to the New York offices of ProPublica and Thomson Reuters, as well as other media outlets in Colorado and elsewhere, beginning on or around March 20.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado has charged Payne with interstate communication of threats, citing his federal affidavit detailing what he allegedly said about Trump, Musk, and Tesla owners in various emails. Payne’s internet history, which includes alleged searches for information on Oklahoma City bomber Timothy McVeigh, is also discussed.
“We have declared war on the 47th Presidential Cabinet of the United States of America and are sharing details of our first operation,” Payne wrote in an email on March 20, according to federal prosecutors. “We are responsible for the newsworthy killings starting Thursday, April 17, 2025. The enclosed information is for immediate release and will help validate the evidence presented in the upcoming social media campaign.”
Citing Luigi Mangione, the Maryland Ivy Leaguer accused of murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson last year in New York City, Payne explained that the planned murder missions would take place due to the media’s lack of “direct, pointed, specific questions of the Cabinet,” according to prosecutors.
He allegedly wrote that the media instead chooses to “accept the morsels they’re given for a chance to be close to the action,” according to the affidavit.
“We will get you closer,” Payne allegedly said, referring to the use of various weapons and items, such as guns and guitar strings.
In a separate section titled “Advice,” Payne allegedly wrote: “Municipalities with high Swasticar density should prepare an adequate HAZMAT response plan.” Ideally, prepare for simultaneous electric vehicle fires, toxic smoke containment, and downwind evacuation.
Among those calling for a boycott of Musk and his electric vehicle company, the term “swasticar” refers to Tesla vehicles.
In addition to his emails, Payne is accused of attempting to send “similar threatening letters for delivery by the Postal Service” to a number of insurance companies across the country, with return addresses indicating they were from “The White House,” despite being postmarked in Denver.
According to prosecutors, a review of IP address information, combined with “other information” compiled by the FBI, eventually led authorities to Payne’s doorstep and linked him to the emails in question.
Payne is scheduled to appear in Denver federal court on Tuesday, April 22.
