Lubbock Man Threatens to ‘slit throats’ of Federal Agents, Faces 15 Years

A man in Lubbock, TX, was recently convicted by a jury for publicly threatening to kill members of the United States Secret Service and their families.

Death Threats from Lubbock, TX

On February 21, 37-year-old Tristan Rene Langston from Lubbock posted to his X account stating that he wishes to kill two U.S. Secret Service agents and their families.

His retaliation comes after these two agents in particular were involved in Langston's prior case of online threats back in 2023.

According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, Northern District of Texas press release, Langston's message on social media was directly targeting the two agents. He reportedly stated he was "gonna slit the throats of agents and their families."

Because of the words Langston chose to use, his statements were beyond protected free speech and constituted threats towards federal agents.

Acting U.S. Attorney Nancy E. Larson explained more on the matter.

Targeting federal agents and their families with threats of violence is not protected speech -- it is a federal crime.

Langston was charged in March 2025 with sending death threats on social media and threatening a federal law enforcement officer. On August 7, after a four-day trial, Langston was convicted of both counts.

The 37-year-old now faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in federal prison, and he is expected to receive his sentence on November 6, 2025.

Death Threat Cases in Texas

In Texas, threatening to kill a federal law enforcement officer is strictly prohibited and holds a stronger punishment than threatening a civilian.

Penalties vary on the case, but murder threats can carry up to 10 years in prison, even if the individual does not carry out their threat.