Politics
Federal agents arrest podcaster over alleged threats to kill Donald Trump
Benjamin Azariah Southworth faces federal charges including cyberstalking and threatening the president.
The short version
- Federal authorities in Los Angeles arrested 40-year-old podcaster Benjamin Azariah Southworth following a grand jury indictment.
- Prosecutors allege Southworth posted videos urging the execution of Donald Trump, sold anti-Trump merchandise, and harassed the family of Trump's personal lawyer.
- Southworth faces federal charges for cyberstalking, making harassing interstate calls, and threatening the president.
- The case will proceed through federal court in the Central District of California.
Key facts
- A federal grand jury indicted Benjamin Azariah Southworth on charges of threatening to kill President Donald Trump, cyberstalking, and making harassing interstate calls.[Fox News]
- First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli stated that Southworth published the home address and phone numbers of Trump's personal attorney's family and left threatening voicemails.[Fox News]
- According to court filings cited in reporting, Southworth posted an Instagram video in April 2026 calling for the execution of Trump.[Fox News]
- Southworth previously hosted a Christian reality television show and currently co-hosts an interfaith comedy podcast.[Fox News]
What remains uncertain
- Southworth has not yet entered a formal plea in court, and he could not be reached immediately for comment.[Fox News]