Los Angeles podcaster and former television host Benjamin Azariah Southworth has been arrested on federal charges after prosecutors accused him of making threats against US President Donald Trump and cyberstalking the president’s former personal lawyer and members of the lawyer’s family.
Southworth, 40, was arrested by federal authorities at his apartment in the Westlake neighborhood of Los Angeles on Thursday, September 3, 2026, following a federal grand jury indictment. According to the US Department of Justice, he faces three federal charges: threatening the president, cyberstalking and making harassing telephone calls in interstate communications.
The case has attracted national attention because of the serious nature of the allegations and the involvement of federal law enforcement agencies.
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Southworth accused of threatening Trump
According to the indictment, Southworth used social media platforms including YouTube, Instagram and TikTok, as well as a personal website, to publish material targeting Trump and his supporters.
Prosecutors allege that his online activity between January and May 2026 included threats of violence against the president.
One of the incidents cited by prosecutors allegedly occurred on April 7, when Southworth posted a video on Instagram containing statements calling for Trump’s execution and urging people to kill the president.
Federal authorities said the alleged statements went beyond political criticism and amounted to criminal threats.
The Department of Justice has stressed that threats against the president are federal crimes and that political speech does not provide protection for threats of violence.
Alleged cyberstalking of Trump lawyer
Southworth is also accused of targeting a lawyer who had served as Trump’s personal attorney.
According to the indictment, he allegedly published the attorney’s home address, photographs of the lawyer and his residence on TikTok.
The post allegedly included the words “No peace for traitors.”
Prosecutors further accused Southworth of targeting members of the attorney’s family. Between January and May, he allegedly sent abusive online messages and voicemails to the lawyer’s son and made harassing interstate telephone calls to the lawyer’s wife.
Federal authorities said the alleged conduct formed part of a broader campaign of harassment.
FBI agents arrest Southworth in Los Angeles
Southworth was taken into custody at his Westlake apartment on Thursday morning.
Reports said federal agents surrounded the residence and ordered him to surrender. The arrest followed the grand jury indictment issued the previous day.
The US Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California said the FBI and US Secret Service are investigating the case.
The authorities have emphasized that preventing threats from escalating into physical violence is a major priority in the investigation.
Podcaster pleads not guilty
Southworth appeared in federal court following his arrest and pleaded not guilty, according to ABC7 Los Angeles.
He is being held without bond and is expected to return to court next month as the federal case continues.
Southworth has not been convicted of any of the charges against him.
Under US law, an indictment represents allegations by prosecutors, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Faces up to 12 years if convicted
If convicted on all three charges, Southworth faces a combined statutory maximum of 12 years in federal prison.
The Department of Justice said the threat-against-the-president charge carries a maximum sentence of five years, while the cyberstalking charge carries another five years.
The interstate telephone harassment charge carries a maximum sentence of two years.
The statutory maximum is not necessarily the sentence a defendant would receive if convicted. Any eventual sentence would depend on the outcome of the case and applicable federal sentencing rules.
Southworth’s background
Southworth is known as a podcaster, writer and former television presenter.
He previously hosted “The Remix,” a Christian youth reality and music television programme featuring Christian musicians and performers.
He later became known for the “Yass, Jesus!” podcast, which explores religion, sexuality and culture.
His arrest has now placed his online activities under intense scrutiny as federal prosecutors pursue the criminal case.
Federal authorities warn against political violence
The case comes amid heightened concern in the United States over threats and political violence involving public officials.
US Attorney’s Office officials said threats against the president cannot simply be dismissed as political rhetoric when they allegedly cross the line into criminal conduct.
Attorney General Todd Blanche said the Department of Justice would respond forcefully to threats against Trump’s life.
The FBI and Secret Service are continuing their investigation.
For now, Southworth remains accused of the offences outlined in the indictment and has pleaded not guilty.
The case will ultimately be decided in federal court, where prosecutors will have to prove the allegations beyond a reasonable doubt.
