A Los Angeles-based podcaster and former television personality has been indicted by a federal grand jury for allegedly threatening to kill President Donald Trump.
Benjamin Azariah Southworth, 40, was arrested Thursday morning at his home in the Westlake neighborhood of Los Angeles following the indictment.
A federal grand jury returned a three-count indictment charging Southworth with threats against the president, cyberstalking, and harassing telephone calls in interstate communications.
Southworth hosted the Christian youth show “The Remix” and the podcast “Yass, Jesus!” before his arrest on the federal charges.
Prosecutors say Southworth used YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok from January 2026 to May 2026 to express hatred toward Trump and encourage violence against him.
On April 7, Southworth allegedly posted a video to Instagram stating, “I have been vocal in calling for the execution of Donald Trump” and “This government is illegitimate and out of control.”
A second Instagram video posted on April 8 allegedly depicted Southworth teleporting into the White House Oval Office and raising a knife to Trump’s head before the screen cut to black.
“Before the screen goes dark, a woman’s scream is heard, and a listing for defendant Southworth’s website appears advertising ‘Criminally Insane ANTIFA GEAR,'” the indictment states.
Following an incident at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in late April, Southworth allegedly posted a YouTube video stating, “I’m outraged that Donald Trump isn’t dead.”
Southworth also allegedly sold stickers reading “Kill Trump” on his personal website, according to prosecutors who detailed the merchandise in their filings.
He is additionally charged with cyberstalking a Trump personal attorney and that attorney’s family, with FBI Director Kash Patel identifying the victim on X as former Trump impeachment lawyer Jay Sekulow.
Southworth allegedly published Sekulow’s home address on TikTok alongside a photograph of the attorney’s residence, captioning the post with the words, “No peace for traitors.”
FBI Director Kash Patel posted photographs of law enforcement arresting Southworth, saying, “Deadly threats like this are as vile as they are criminal — those responsible will be met by this FBI and law enforcement.”
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli added, “There is zero tolerance for political violence, especially for threats directed at the President,” stressing that threatening an elected official with violence carries serious criminal consequences.
Attorney General Todd Blanche issued a statement warning that “anyone who makes these threats online will not be allowed to hide behind their screens,” signaling continued federal pursuit of similar cases.
Southworth pleaded not guilty Thursday afternoon in the United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles.
