A Southwest Airlines flight attendant posted disturbing social media messages calling for President Trump’s assassination just minutes after a gunman breached security at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. Michele Carpino’s inflammatory posts have drawn widespread condemnation and sparked questions about airline employee vetting processes.

Disturbing Pattern of Posts

Carpino wrote on Facebook immediately after Cole Allen stormed the annual Washington press event last Saturday. “Oh please sweet baby Jesus,” she posted. “WE NEED BETTER ASSASSIN’S!” The post came moments after Secret Service agents stopped Allen. Investigators uncovered additional troubling content on her social media accounts. On July 10, 2024—just three days before the Butler, Pennsylvania assassination attempt—Carpino wrote, “One day we will wake up to his obituary.” Social media watchdog Libs of TikTok first reported the inflammatory posts.

Code Words and Federal Connections

Another post used the phrase “86 47,” with “86” being restaurant slang for discarding items and “47” referring to Trump as the 47th president. Former FBI Director James Comey posted identical language on May 15, 2025, leading to his federal indictment on April 28. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche called Comey’s post an illegal threat to take the president’s life. The parallel between Carpino’s posts and Comey’s indicted statement raises serious legal questions. Passengers expressed alarm about the decade-long Southwest employee’s fitness to serve.

Airline Response and Public Reaction

Southwest Airlines confirmed awareness of the posts in a statement to The Post. “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.” Social media users questioned the airline’s hiring and monitoring practices. One passenger wrote directly to Southwest expressing discomfort with Carpino potentially serving their family. Carpino has worked as a flight attendant for ten years according to her LinkedIn profile. She could not be reached for comment.

Security Implications

The incident highlights ongoing concerns about threats against President Trump following multiple assassination attempts. Federal authorities continue investigating the White House Correspondents’ Dinner breach that triggered Carpino’s posts. Airlines face renewed scrutiny over employee screening procedures, particularly regarding social media activity that could indicate security risks. The case demonstrates how online extremism can persist among individuals in positions of public trust and safety.