Overview
- An Alexandria federal jury found Peter A. Stinson not guilty after roughly two hours of deliberation following a two-day trial.
- Prosecutors cited years of social media posts urging violence, including statements like “I’d pull the trigger,” offers to “serve in a support capacity,” and proposals to raise money for a “contract hit.”
- The judge instructed jurors that speech advocating violence at an indefinite time remains protected unless it crosses into specific, actionable solicitation.
- Defense testimony from University of Maryland professor Jen Golbeck described Stinson’s rhetoric as common online and argued the government selectively pursued his case.
- Stinson, a former Coast Guard lieutenant and longtime FEMA instructor, said he was thrilled by the verdict, expressed no regret over his posts, and vowed to continue protesting.