FBI Arrests Podcaster Over Alleged Threats to Kill President Trump

FBI Arrests Podcaster Over Alleged Threats to Kill President Trump

Federal agents in Los Angeles have arrested American podcaster and online commentator Azariah Southworth, 40, over allegations that he repeatedly threatened to kill US President Donald Trump and stalked the president’s personal lawyer and his family . Southworth was taken into custody at his home in the Westlake area by FBI agents who surrounded the residence and demanded he come out; he surrendered without incident . The arrest marks the latest in a series of federal prosecutions targeting individuals who have made violent threats against the president, reflecting the government’s zero-tolerance approach to political violence .

According to court documents, prosecutors allege that Southworth used his media presence to spew hatred for Trump and his supporters, calling for the assassination of the president on multiple occasions between January and May 2026 . In a video posted on April 7, Southworth allegedly stated: “I have been vocal in calling for the execution of Donald Trump” and declared, “This government is illegitimate and out of control. It’s time for course correction. Kill Donald Trump” . In a January text message exchange with an associate, Southworth allegedly said: “If I encounter any Trump official in-person, I’m seriously afraid I will end up in Jail” and added, “But if I could Kill him, I wouldn’t waste the opportunity” . In the same conversation, he reportedly said: “But GOD I want that mother—-r and his minions dead” . In March, prosecutors say Southworth posted another video calling for the death of Trump, saying: “I want to practice my free speech as a survivor of conversion therapy for five years. Kill Donald Trump. Kill that mother—-g pedophile in the White House. Kill that traitor of the United States Constitution” . These statements, prosecutors argue, were not merely hyperbolic expressions of political disagreement but constituted deliberate and serious threats against the life of the sitting president .

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In April, Southworth allegedly posted an edited video depicting himself teleporting into the White House Oval Office, standing behind Trump, and raising a knife up to Trump’s head as if he was about to stab him . Before the screen goes dark, a woman’s scream is heard, and a listing for Southworth’s website appears, advertising “Criminally Insane ANTIFA GEAR” . Later that month, he posted more videos on his YouTube and Instagram accounts depicting fictitious portrayals of acts of violence against President Trump and said that his earlier statement, “Kill Donald Trump,” was “just rhetoric” . Prosecutors, however, argue that the combination of verbal threats, visual imagery, and merchandise promoting violence demonstrates a pattern of behavior that goes far beyond protected speech and crosses into criminal conduct .

Southworth also made a post to his now-deleted Instagram account addressing his followers in the event of his arrest . He stated: “I am making this video today in the event of my arrest. It has been a long-held belief that calling for the execution of the president of The United States will get you put on a list or arrested” . He added: “I have friends who are concerned this will happen to me as I have been vocal in calling for the execution of Donald Trump” . Prosecutors allege that Southworth said his words knowingly and willfully, and intended them to be taken seriously . The pre-arrest video, which appears to anticipate legal consequences, may be used by prosecutors as evidence that Southworth was aware of the illegality of his statements and chose to make them anyway .

Beyond the threats against the president, Southworth is also accused of targeting a lawyer who worked for Trump . In a January post on his TikTok account, prosecutors say Southworth listed the lawyer’s home address in Brentwood, Tennessee, along with a photograph of the residence, with the caption: “Visit Trump’s personal lawyer. No peace for traitors” . In February, he began texting the lawyer’s son, accusing him of defending pedophiles and child traffickers . He later took to Instagram and posted the personal telephone numbers of the lawyer’s son and his immediate family members, saying: “Do you want to spice up your love life this Valentine’s Day? Then call one of these numbers and let these people know they are pieces of s—t” . Around that time, Southworth called the lawyer and his family at least 13 times and hurled insults at them, prosecutors say. In one chilling voicemail, he reportedly said: “There’s going to come a day when justice comes to your door” . The stalking allegations paint a picture of a sustained campaign of harassment that extended beyond political rhetoric to direct targeting of private citizens, escalating the seriousness of the federal charges .

Southworth faces federal charges including threatening the President of the United States, cyberstalking, and interstate telephone harassment . If convicted on all counts, Southworth could face up to 12 years in federal prison . First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli stated: “Southworth is charged with posting videos calling for President Trump’s assassination, then targeted the family of the President’s personal attorney by publishing their home address and phone numbers, and leaving voicemails threatening ‘justice comes to your door'” . Essayli added: “Threats against the President of the United States are federal crime. We will not tolerate threats of political violence in the United States. My office will prosecute anyone who crosses that line to the fullest extent of the law” . FBI Special Agent Armando Marquez denounced Southworth’s actions, saying the “U.S. Secret Service has zero tolerance for threats against the President of the United States” . The statements from federal officials underscore the government’s determination to prosecute what it views as a growing trend of violent rhetoric directed at political figures .

Southworth, who formerly hosted a Christian reality show called The Remix, is an advocate for gay rights and describes himself as an “artivist” on his website, where he continues to sell stickers that say “Kill Donald Trump” . He came out of his house and surrendered to FBI agents without incident and refused to answer questions . The allegations against Southworth have not been proven in court, and he remains presumed innocent unless convicted . His arrest comes amid heightened security concerns surrounding Trump and continued federal investigations into threats against the president . The case has drawn attention to the balance between free speech protections and the prohibition against true threats, a legal distinction that will likely be central to Southworth’s defense as the case proceeds through the federal court system .