A Southwest Airlines flight attendant faces company discipline after posting disturbing messages on social media calling for President Trump’s assassination following a security breach at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.
Social Media Posts Surface After Security Breach
Michele Carpino, a 10-year Southwest Airlines employee, took to Facebook minutes after news broke that gunman Cole Allen stormed the annual White House Correspondents’ Dinner. “Oh please sweet baby Jesus,” Carpino wrote in a now-deleted post. “WE NEED BETTER ASSASSIN’S!” she added after Secret Service agents stopped Allen. The posts were first reported by Libs of TikTok, which uncovered multiple disturbing messages from Carpino’s social media history targeting the president.
Pattern of Threatening Messages Revealed
Investigators discovered additional threatening content on Carpino’s Facebook page dating back years. One post from July 10, 2024—just three days before the Butler, Pennsylvania assassination attempt—read “One day we will wake up to his obituary.” Another post used the phrase “86 47,” where “86” is restaurant slang for discarding something and “47” refers to Trump as the 47th president. Former FBI Director James Comey faced federal indictment on April 28 after posting the same phrase, with Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche calling it an illegal threat.
Airline Responds to Employee Conduct
Southwest Airlines confirmed awareness of the posts in a statement to The Post. “Southwest is aware of these posts and we are addressing the situation,” a spokesperson said. “While we don’t comment on personnel matters, this content does not reflect our values and we take it seriously.” Passengers expressed concern on social media about flying with Carpino. “Sure wouldn’t feel comfortable with her taking care of myself or my family. Do better watching socials and hiring,” one user wrote directly to Southwest.
Legal and Security Implications
The incident raises questions about airline employee vetting and social media monitoring in the aviation industry. Federal authorities have not announced charges against Carpino, though her posts mirror language that led to Comey’s indictment. The Secret Service continues investigating threats against the president following the White House Correspondents’ Dinner breach. Carpino, who lists her Southwest employment on LinkedIn, could not be reached for comment on the posts or her current employment status with the airline.
