News Summary
In Greenville County, a 19-year-old named Samuel Theodore Cain was arrested for allegedly threatening U.S. Representative Nancy Mace on social media, claiming he would assassinate her. This led to an investigation by SLED, culminating in Cain’s admission to writing the threatening message. He faces felony charges for making threats against a public official, highlighting concerns over safety in today’s digital age and the implications for free speech.
Greenville County, South Carolina – A 19-year-old resident has been arrested for allegedly making a threat against U.S. Representative Nancy Mace on social media. Samuel Theodore Cain, who also goes by the online alias “Roxie Wolfe,” was taken into custody following an investigation by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) that commenced in late April.
The incident began on April 26, when Cain reportedly posted a message on X, formerly known as Twitter, declaring an intention to assassinate a then-unnamed public official. The threatening message stated, “I’m going to assassinate [name redacted] with a gun and I’m being 100% dead a**.” Mace later identified herself as the target of this threat on her own X account.
Following the investigation, an arrest warrant was issued, and federal agents confronted Cain regarding the post. Reports indicate that upon being questioned, Cain admitted to writing the threatening message. He has been charged with threatening the life of a public official, which is classified as a felony. The 13th Circuit Solicitor’s Office will be responsible for prosecuting the case.
After the threat was made public, the social media account associated with the threatening post has since been deleted. In the booking registry at the Greenville jail, Cain is identified as male, although he publicly identifies as transgender.
U.S. Representative Nancy Mace has been a prominent figure in discussions surrounding transgender rights, often expressing her opposition to such rights, a stance that has drawn significant criticism. Following the incident, she described the threat against her as an assault on free speech and those who oppose what she perceives as radical ideologies. Mace expressed gratitude towards the U.S. Capitol Police and SLED for their swift action in response to the threatening message.
In terms of legal repercussions, the maximum penalty for making threats against a public official can reach up to five years in prison, underscoring the seriousness of the charge Cain is facing. Threats against public officials not only raise concerns about individual safety but also about the broader implications for political discourse and free speech in society.
The incident highlights ongoing tensions regarding public figures and their safety in the digital age, where social media platforms can amplify threats and incite fear. As authorities continue to handle the case against Cain, it serves as a critical reminder of the responsibilities associated with free speech and the legal ramifications of making threats online.
The community in Greenville County is now grappling with the fallout from this arrest, which reflects the complexities of modern political dialogue and its intersection with social media. The case will likely draw continued attention as developments unfold in the legal proceedings.
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Additional Resources
- Greenville Online
- WLTX
- Fox Carolina
- The State
- Wikipedia: Nancy Mace
- Google Search: Greenville County threat public official
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Free Speech
- Google News: Social Media Threats
Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE
The HERE Greenville Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenville community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Greenville Our team includes lifelong Greenville residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sales in the Heritage Historic District 17 , Greenville’s textile and railroad heritage 2 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Greenville Technical College programs) 27 . Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
