United States Attorney Ken Sorenson announced that Nolan Ezra Goldklang, 23, of Sandy Springs, Georgia, was charged by criminal complaint on August 5, 2026, with sending an interstate communication containing a threat to kill the husband of Tulsi Gabbard, the former Director of National Intelligence. Goldklang was arrested on August 7, 2026 on Oahu, and had his initial appearance on August 10, 2026, in the District of Hawaii.
According to court records, on or about July 21, 2026, using a computer in or near Kapolei, Hawaii, Goldklang posted threatening statements directed at Ms. Gabbard’s husband on the social media platform “X.” Goldklang posted that he was “going to murder” Ms. Gabbard’s husband when he returned to Oahu and was going to “slam his bloody face on the pavement until his skull cracks.” Goldklang’s family reported the post to law enforcement and informed investigators that Goldklang was obsessed and infatuated with Gabbard. His family also reported that Goldklang had experienced mental health issues and had previously escaped from a mental institution where he had been involuntarily committed. His family believed Goldklang may have traveled from the mainland to Hawaii to meet with Gabbard.
If convicted, Goldklang faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine, plus a term of supervised release.
The charge in the criminal complaint is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. In the case of conviction, any sentence would be imposed by a United States District Judge based on the statutory sentencing factors and the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines.
The FBI is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Randolph J. St. Clair is prosecuting the case.
This is a press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
