A West Virginia librarian has been charged after allegedly using social media to recruit individuals for a dangerous plot targeting President Donald Trump.

The Jackson County Sheriff’s Department announced Sunday evening that Morgan L. Morrow of Ripley, West Virginia, a librarian at the Jackson County Public Library, faces one count of making a terroristic threat after posting videos online that authorities described as an attempt to enlist others to harm the president, with the investigation still ongoing.

Librarian's Arrest Sparks Community Concern

The issue has sparked debate over the boundaries of free speech and the responsibilities of public employees in the digital age.

Details emerged after the social media account Libs of TikTok highlighted a video reportedly posted by Morrow, which included a troubling caption referencing a sniper with a terminal illness and the number 343 million, Fox News reported.

Comments on Morrow’s Instagram video also mentioned other high-profile figures like White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy Stephen Miller, tech CEO Larry Ellison, and Silicon Valley entrepreneur Peter Thiel, with users suggesting violent actions against them.

Sheriff’s Office Responds to Threats

The Jackson County Sheriff’s Department didn’t mince words, describing Morrow’s actions as “social media recruitment of individuals to pursue and assassinate President Trump,” a statement that underscores the gravity of the charge.

Let’s be clear: soliciting violence against anyone, let alone the president, isn’t a quirky online stunt—it’s a serious crime that demands accountability, no matter how much some might try to spin it as mere venting.

Sheriff RH Mellinger emphasized, “Further details will be released as we continue to compile facts and further the investigation,” signaling that more revelations may be on the horizon.

Library Distances Itself from Employee

The Jackson County Public Library was quick to respond, posting a statement on Facebook Sunday evening, just before the sheriff’s announcement, to clarify its stance.

The library declared, “The comments recently made by an employee do not reflect the mission, values, or standards of conduct of our organization. We take our responsibilities to the public and our supporters seriously and are committed to professionalism, respect, and integrity in all that we do.”

They added that the views were expressed individually and not on behalf of the organization, while noting they are handling the situation internally per their policies.

Balancing Free Speech and Safety

While the library’s response is measured, one has to wonder if internal policies are enough when public trust is shaken by such reckless online behavior from a community figure.

This isn’t about silencing dissent; it’s about recognizing that words have weight, especially when they incite harm against elected leaders in a time of already heightened tension.

Public employees like librarians hold positions of influence, particularly in small towns like Ripley, and with that comes a duty to model restraint, not to flirt with dangerous rhetoric under the guise of free expression.