Former NASCAR star Danica Patrick publicly condemned a death threat against Attorney General Pam Bondi, describing it as a sign of a deeply troubling society on her Instagram. The Danica Patrick Instagram reaction followed her sharing an image that originally appeared on conservative commentator David J. Harris Jr.’s social media, drawing widespread attention to the incident.
Danica Patrick Calls Out Public Threats on Instagram
Danica Patrick, recognized for her achievements in motorsports and now active as an entrepreneur and media figure, reposted an image to her Instagram story that featured a “wanted” poster of Pam Bondi. The poster read:
“Reward: $45,000, wanted dead or alive, but preferably dead.”
This alarming image prompted Patrick to add her own strong message:
“We are living in a sick world,”
Her remarks were directed at what she perceives as an alarming normalization of violence and threats in online spaces. The intense nature of both the image and her commentary quickly triggered discussions across social media platforms.
Details on the Threatened Individual and Suspect
The Instagram post referenced a real-world threat that became the subject of a law enforcement investigation. According to coverage by CBS News, Tyler Maxon Avalos, a 30-year-old man from St. Paul, Minnesota, was arrested earlier in October on charges related to making death threats against Pam Bondi through a TikTok video. The video contained the same menacing image Danica Patrick shared, showing Bondi targeted by a sniper’s red dot and accompanied by calls for a $45,000 reward to kill her.
“cough cough when they don’t serve us then what?”
The original report about the TikTok threat came from a user in Detroit on October 9. Investigators then traced the social media account to Avalos, uncovering evidence like anarchist messaging and literature. Court documents revealed a history of violent behavior for Avalos, with previous convictions in both Minnesota and Florida for stalking and domestic assault.
Context Around Danica Patrick’s Online Presence and Political Views
Danica Patrick doesn’t only use her platform to decry disturbing trends—she has also been vocal about her broader political views. In another Instagram story, Patrick responded to former President Donald Trump’s remarks following his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin at Joint Base Elmendorf–Richardson in Alaska on August 15, 2025. The discussion included issues such as Ukraine, NATO, and American sanctions on Russia. When asked about his confidence in striking deals with Putin, Trump replied:
“Because that’s what I do. I make deals,”
Patrick showed her support by posting a video of Trump’s statement on her Instagram story, labeling him with the phrase “THE GOAT!!”. Her admiration did not end there. On the social platform X, Patrick reflected on Trump’s leadership and her perception of his influence on global peace:
“I remember the saying ‘peace in the Middle East’ as a kid. It was a casual silly (and seemingly impossible) way of saying goodbye, at least in the Midwest where I grew up. Now….. it’s actually real. @realDonaldTrump will go down as the best president we have ever had. Peace through strength.”
Patrick’s involvement in these conversations is part of her identity as a post-racing public figure. After making history in 2008 as the first and only woman to win an IndyCar race—the Indy Japan 300—Patrick competed in NASCAR from 2012 to 2018. Retiring from competitive driving, she has since built a reputation as a successful entrepreneur and outspoken commentator.
The Broader Significance of Public Threats and Online Polarization
The Danica Patrick Instagram reaction to the Bondi threat highlights growing concerns about the intersection of digital platforms and real-world violence. The incident not only raised questions about individual security—for figures like Pam Bondi—but also spotlights the increasing boldness with which threats are made and shared in the digital era. The link between social media and law enforcement efforts became evident in how quickly the threat was tracked, reported, and investigated by authorities. Notably, the participation of key figures like David J. Harris Jr. and the involvement of federal investigators, such as the FBI, demonstrates the collaborative efforts needed to address online threats.
As public figures like Patrick lend their voices to the conversation, the significance stretches beyond one individual case. The reaction may help fuel ongoing discussions about standards for public discourse, the responsibility of social media users, and the role of prominent personalities in shaping the narrative around safety and civility online. The event serves as a reminder that, in a world where messages travel instantly across borders—from Minnesota and Detroit to national headlines—vigilance and dialogue are as essential as ever to combat the risks of hatred and violence spreading via digital platforms.
