Salon Owner Bethany Abigail Terrill Arrested After Allegedly Filming and Threatening ICE Agents, Yelling “Charlie Kirk Died and We Love It” During Violent Outburst
Federal authorities have charged Massachusetts salon owner Bethany Abigail Terrill after an explosive confrontation with federal immigration agents in which she allegedly shouted violent threats, celebrated the rumored “death” of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, and filmed the encounter on her phone. The 37-year-old owner of The Bat Cave Salon in Malden, Massachusetts, now faces a federal felony count of threatening U.S. officials — a charge that could carry up to 10 years in prison.
According to a Department of Justice affidavit, the disturbing incident unfolded as ICE agents were assisting with an immigration enforcement action near a Boston-area courthouse. Terrill allegedly began following the agents, recording them on her phone, and screaming obscenities as they carried out their duties. Witnesses and bodycam footage reportedly captured her shouting “Charlie Kirk died, and we love it!” — a reference to false online rumors surrounding the conservative activist. Authorities say she then escalated her outburst, threatening to kill ICE agents and calling them “Nazis” and “monsters.”
When agents instructed her to leave the area for safety reasons, she allegedly refused and lunged toward them. Court documents state that Terrill resisted arrest, attempted to strike officers, and continued to hurl threats even after being placed in handcuffs. Prosecutors emphasized that her actions went far beyond free speech, citing repeated, direct threats of violence against federal personnel performing their duties.
The case has sparked strong reactions online, especially among conservatives, who view it as a clear example of rising hostility against law enforcement and right-wing public figures. Supporters of President Donald Trump quickly pointed out the irony of a self-proclaimed “progressive activist” celebrating the supposed death of a conservative commentator while simultaneously threatening federal officers — a crime that could carry serious federal time.
Terrill’s case comes amid heightened tensions over immigration enforcement across the United States, as the Trump administration continues its push to restore order at the southern border and defend ICE operations that had been severely constrained under prior leadership. The Justice Department has made it clear that attacks, intimidation, or threats toward federal officers will be met with zero tolerance.
While Terrill’s attorney has not publicly commented, her social media presence before the incident featured frequent political posts and videos criticizing immigration policy and conservative commentators. Local reports describe her as a vocal activist who often attended left-wing demonstrations in the Boston area. Federal investigators say they are reviewing her phone and social media history for evidence of additional threats or coordinated activity.
Despite the heated nature of the allegations, the case has reignited broader national debates over political rhetoric, accountability, and the growing climate of hostility toward law enforcement. Legal experts note that the federal statute under which Terrill was charged is rarely invoked unless the threats are deemed credible, suggesting prosecutors believe there is substantial evidence of intent.
Terrill appeared briefly in federal court in Boston earlier this week, where she was released on bond under strict conditions — including a mental health evaluation, a ban on alcohol, and a no-contact order with law enforcement officers. Her next hearing is expected later this month.
For many, the case underscores a disturbing double standard in how threats are handled across political lines. While conservatives have faced repeated media scrutiny over rhetoric, few mainstream outlets have given significant attention to threats made against ICE or right-wing personalities. Trump supporters see this case as a small but symbolic step toward accountability, one that sends a message that federal agents — and the values they protect — cannot be targeted with impunity.
As the investigation continues, the Justice Department says it remains committed to enforcing the law equally and ensuring the safety of all federal personnel. For President Trump’s supporters, that commitment — and the renewed emphasis on law and order — represents exactly the kind of leadership they voted for.
