Outside the internet, death threats are serious business and usually a crime, regardless of whether you have the actual intent or ability to kill someone.
Likewise there's that tired old example of yelling fire in a crowded theater (though i don't think that applies here)
On or off the internet, an alleged death threat is subject to considerations of actual intent. Following up a comment with "lol/jk" as he ACTUALLY DID pretty much deflates all the billowy claims of his death threat.
But that is conveniently omitted in popular reporting.
Wasn't the "crowded theater" analogy originally conceived to support the passage of the Espionage Act in America? It might be tired and old now, but was never even legit to begin with.
Likewise there's that tired old example of yelling fire in a crowded theater (though i don't think that applies here)