Federal law‑enforcement officials announced Thursday that Benjamin Southworth, a 40‑year‑old podcaster who lives in the Westlake neighborhood of Los Angeles, was arrested on charges of threatening the life of President Donald Trump and his personal lawyer, Jay Sekulow.
Social‑media threats led to indictment
According to court documents, Southworth used his website, TikTok, Instagram, and two YouTube channels to repeatedly express hatred toward the president and his supporters from January through May of this year. On March 31, he posted an Instagram video in which he invoked a recent Supreme Court decision on conversion therapy and then declared, “Kill Donald Trump. Kill that mother‑f***ing pedophile in the White House.”
The indictment also alleges that Southworth encouraged his followers to visit Sekulow’s home in Brentwood, Tennessee, publishing the lawyer’s address, a photo of the residence, and his phone number on social media platforms.
Charges and upcoming arraignment
Southworth faces three federal counts: making threats against the president, cyberstalking, and harassing telephone calls in interstate communications. He is scheduled to be arraigned on Thursday. At this time, it is unclear whether he has retained legal counsel to speak on his behalf.
This case underscores the seriousness with which federal authorities treat threats against the president and his close associates, reinforcing the protection of public officials under the law.
Original reporting: NBC4 Los Angeles — read the source article.
