In West Virginia, political opinions are nothing new, but authorities say one librarian’s alleged online behavior took things far beyond heated debate and straight into criminal territory. A woman from Ripley is now sitting behind bars after investigators claim her anti-Trump rhetoric escalated into something much more serious and much more alarming.
According to law enforcement in West Virginia, 39-year-old Morgan L. Morrow was arrested following what officials described as a full investigation into social media activity that raised immediate red flags. The Jackson County Sheriff’s Department, along with the Jackson County Bureau of Investigations, began digging after being alerted to online language that appeared to target a public official. That trail reportedly led investigators to a TikTok account they believe belonged to Morrow, and from there, the situation intensified quickly.
Authorities didn’t mince words about what they believe they found. According to WOWK, investigators concluded that the posts in question weren’t vague political frustration or exaggerated internet venting. Instead, they allegedly encouraged and advocated for the assassination of President Donald J. Trump. In other words, this wasn’t about hot takes or keyboard activism, it was about language that law enforcement says crossed a very real and dangerous line.
West Virginia Librarian Tries To Recruit With Anti-Trump Posts
Things reportedly became even more serious during interviews with investigators. According to the criminal complaint cited by WOWK, Morrow allegedly admitted that she created the post herself and that it was “intended as a threat directed toward President Donald J. Trump.” Investigators also say she told them she had “personal reasons for wishing harm upon the president,” though no further details about those reasons were made public.
Sheriff Ross Mellinger didn’t sugarcoat the situation when addressing the arrest. While acknowledging that criticism of the government is protected, he made it clear that this case went well beyond free speech.
“It’s okay to be critical of the government. It’s okay to be critical of things you don’t agree with, but when you start promoting violence, promoting a plan to carry out that violence, and recruiting other people to carry out the plan for you, that’s clearly crossing the line,” he said. He later added a blunt warning: “When you saddle up on the horse of stupidity, you have to be prepared for the ride that follows.”
Crossing The Line
Morrow was taken into custody and booked into South Central Regional Jail, where she remains while investigators continue gathering information. Meanwhile, the fallout extended beyond the courthouse and into her workplace.
The Jackson County Public Library quickly released a statement distancing itself from the alleged actions, emphasizing that her comments did not align with the organization’s values. “The comments recently made by an employee do not reflect the mission, values, or standards of conduct of our organization,” the statement read, adding that the matter is being addressed internally.
As this situation continues to unfold in West Virginia, it’s serving as a stark reminder that political outrage, especially online, can have real-world consequences. In an era where social media often blurs the line between venting and extremism, authorities are making it clear that some lines simply cannot be crossed.
Emma Taylor 
Dylan Cook 
Nina Franklin 
