Photo Released of Tyler Maxon Avalos: Who Is “Wacko” and What Led to the $45,000 Hit on Pam Bondi?

Federal investigators say a photo of Tyler Maxon Avalos has surfaced online following his arrest for allegedly posting a $45,000 bounty on U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi. The 29-year-old, known online by his alias “Wacko,” was detained on October 16 after federal agents linked him to a TikTok post showing Bondi’s image under a sniper scope with the caption “Wanted: Pam Bondi – Reward: $45,000 Dead or Alive (preferably dead).”

The arrest, confirmed by court filings, has sparked national attention and renewed debate over online extremism and the line between free speech and criminal threat. Authorities allege Avalos used his “Wacko” persona to promote anarchist ideas and post threatening content directed at government figures.

Tyler Maxon Avalos Arrest and Online Identity Explained

According to federal documents, Tyler Maxon Avalos was arrested in St. Paul, Minnesota, after the FBI received an informant tip about his alleged TikTok post targeting Pam Bondi. Agents traced the account, named “Wacko,” through digital forensics and verified his identity via IP logs, Google Account data, and mobile metadata.

Investigators said Avalos’s TikTok profile included an anarchist “A” symbol in place of the letter “A” in his username and linked to “An Anarchist FAQ” — a well-known online manifesto. The Department of Justice says this demonstrates his ideological affiliation with anti-government movements. Though no official organization is cited, officials noted repeated engagement with forums advocating anti-state and anti-authoritarian content.

Avalos’s alleged post displayed Bondi’s photo under crosshairs alongside inflammatory text suggesting a $45,000 reward “dead or alive.” The caption reportedly read, “Cough cough. When they don’t serve us, then what?” Prosecutors stated this message violated federal threat statutes and reflected “intent to incite harm” against a government official.

Tyler Maxon Avalos’ photo surfaces after his arrest for allegedly posting a $45,000 bounty on U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi. (Photo Credit: X/@domenicadelia22)

Federal Charges and Legal Conditions

Tyler Maxon Avalos was charged under 18 U.S.C. § 875, which prohibits transmitting communications that threaten injury across interstate or foreign commerce. The case was filed in the U.S. District Court for Minnesota, where Magistrate Judge Douglas Micko presided over his initial hearing.

Avalos was later released under strict supervision. His release terms include no travel outside Minnesota, mandatory mental-health treatment, nightly curfew, GPS monitoring, no access to weapons or alcohol, and limited internet use unless pre-approved. Authorities stated these measures were essential for “public safety and compliance monitoring.”

His defense attorney, Daniel Gerdts, maintains Avalos is “not guilty of any crime,” arguing the post was “political expression rather than a credible threat.” Prosecutors disagree, asserting that Avalos’s specific language and imagery make it a legitimate federal offense.

Criminal History and Public Reaction

Court records show Avalos has an extensive criminal background. He was convicted of domestic abuse in Florida in 2016 and stalking in Minnesota in 2022. Federal filings indicate multiple prior incidents of harassment and violent threats. The FBI said Avalos had been on a “watchlist of concern” due to earlier complaints about online content with violent themes.

Although an official mugshot has not been released by the Department of Justice, several unverified images have circulated online. The case has generated widespread discussion about the dangers of digital radicalization and the accountability of social platforms like TikTok for hosting violent or extremist content.

What Happens Next in the Legal Process

The court has ordered Avalos to undergo psychiatric evaluation before his next hearing, which will determine whether the case moves to a federal grand jury. Legal experts expect prosecutors to pursue the maximum penalty if the threats are deemed credible. A conviction under 18 U.S.C. § 875 could result in up to 5 years in prison per count.

In summary, the photo released of Tyler Maxon Avalos and his “Wacko” alias has exposed the blurred line between online expression and criminal threat. As federal proceedings continue, the case may redefine how authorities handle digital communications framed as ideological protest but perceived as violence-inciting speech.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Has Tyler Maxon Avalos’s official photo been released?

No. Federal authorities have not released an official mugshot. Several online images claim to show Avalos, but their authenticity remains unverified.

Q2: Who is “Wacko” in this case?

“Wacko” is the online alias linked to Avalos’s TikTok account. Investigators said his profile featured anarchist references and political slogans.

Q3: What are the charges against Tyler Maxon Avalos?

He is charged under 18 U.S.C. § 875 for transmitting an interstate communication containing a threat to injure another person — a federal felony offense.

Q4: What restrictions is Avalos under?

He is under GPS monitoring, a curfew, and restricted internet access, and must remain in Minnesota pending trial with ongoing mental-health evaluation.

Q5: How has the public reacted?

The arrest has sparked online debate about social media responsibility, the line between political dissent and threat, and the need for better threat detection systems.