New Wave of Death Threats and Impersonations Target Falun Gong and U.S. Institutions (July 1–23)

Between July 1 and July 23, a new surge of anonymous violent threats and impersonation messages were sent to the Falun Dafa Information Center (FDIC) and other Falun Gong-related entities via their online contact forms. Sent in Chinese and often under false identities—including impersonating Falun Gong founder’s relatives, Taiwanese officials, and Falun Gong-related journalists—these threats have targeted Falun Gong practitioners, performers and venues of Shen Yun Performing Arts, public figures, and major U.S. institutions. 

• On July 1 and 3, two messages threatened mass violence against American police, officials, and FBI agents who support Falun Gong. The July 3 message said, 

“First, the police. All American police officers who protect and support Falun Gong will be shot and their homes will be on fire. Then it will be the politicians and officials. Bombs will also be placed in the FBI building because they protect Falun Gong. This is the price they need to pay!”

• On July 7, a message escalated to threats that people impersonating Falun Gong practitioners would conduct terrorist attacks and arson in the United States. 

• On July 11, a message threatened U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and her family following public remarks supporting The Epoch Times, a newspaper founded by Falun Gong practitioners.

• On July 18, a sniper attack was threatened at Dragon Springs in Deerpark, NY, where the training campus of Shen Yun Performing Arts is located, promising a live broadcast of the violence.

• On July 21, a bomb threat targeted classrooms at Fei Tian Academy of the Arts, a prestigious  religious school founded by Falun Gong practitioners where musicians and dancers train, claiming that plastic explosives had been planted.

• On July 22, two separate messages—both impersonating a relative of Falun Gong’s founder—issued graphic gang-rape and torture threats targeting Shen Yun performers and female public figures who support Falun Gong. One was sent through FDIC’s contact form, the other via Shen Yun’s online shop.

• On July 23, a chilling message impersonating Taiwan’s Vice President warned of armed attacks at Mar-a-Lago and the White House if President Donald Trump continued to support Shen Yun and Falun Gong. The message said,

“Tell him (President Trump) that molotov cocktails will be thrown at Mar-a-Lago if he continues to foolishly support (Shen Yun and Falun Gong)! Masked men will break into Mar-a-Lago and shoot everyone! Throw grenades! The defenses in front of those gates are weak, and the White House, although well-protected, cannot withstand long-range sniper rifle fire!”

These incidents bring the number of anonymous death threats targeting Falun Gong practitioners and their supporters since March 2024 to 157 around the world, though the vast majority have focused on U.S. targets and individuals. 

While no actual violence has occurred, the coordinated nature of these threats points to a deliberate campaign to intimidate, discredit, and potentially incite violence against Falun Gong practitioners and their supporters. All threats have been reported to law enforcement and remain under investigation.