A Christian podcaster has been arrested in Los Angeles after federal prosecutors accused him of repeatedly making threats against President Donald Trump, including publicly calling for the president’s execution.
Benjamin Azariah Southworth, 40, was taken into custody Thursday morning at his Westlake apartment.
He faces federal charges of threatening the president’s life, cyberstalking and making harassing telephone calls.
Podcaster confronted by photographers during arrest
Southworth, known for his Yass, Jesus! podcast, was escorted from his apartment in handcuffs.
Photographs taken during the arrest showed him staring toward a photographer with a grimacing expression as federal authorities led him away.
The arrest comes amid heightened scrutiny of threats against Trump and other public officials.
“As threats against President Trump’s life escalate, the Department of Justice will respond with the full force of the law,” Attorney General Todd Blanche said.
“We will hold perpetrators of violent threats accountable, and anyone who makes these threats online will not be allowed to hide behind their screens.”
Prosecutors point to social media activity
Federal authorities allege that Southworth used social media videos and posts to express hostility toward Trump and his supporters while encouraging harassment and violence against the president.
According to the Central District of California United States Attorney’s Office, Southworth allegedly used online platforms to “publicly engage in and encourage the abuse and harassment of the President” and to issue threats against him.
One of the allegations relates to an Instagram video Southworth allegedly published on April 7.
Prosecutors say he declared that he had been vocal in calling for Trump’s execution before describing the government as illegitimate and saying it was time for a “course correction.”
He then allegedly called for Trump to be killed.
Earlier messages cited in court documents
The accusations against Southworth also stretch back to January 2025.
Court documents obtained by the Los Angeles Times allege that he sent text messages expressing a willingness to kill Trump if given the opportunity.
Prosecutors also allege that Southworth published the home address of an attorney who had previously worked as Trump’s personal lawyer.
The post reportedly included photographs of the attorney and the person’s home and was accompanied by the words, “No peace for traitors.”
Conversion therapy comments preceded alleged threat
Another alleged threat was published on Southworth’s former Holy Menace Instagram account, which has since been deactivated.
Prosecutors say that in a March 31 video, Southworth referred to a Supreme Court ruling involving Colorado’s restrictions on conversion therapy for LGBTQ+ youths.
He described himself as a survivor of conversion therapy and said he wanted to exercise what he regarded as his free-speech rights.
The indictment alleges that the video subsequently contained threats against Trump, including demands that he be killed and accusations concerning his conduct while in the White House.
The Supreme Court ruling referenced in the video concerned whether Colorado’s ban on conversion therapy violated the First Amendment.
LGBTQ+ rights advocate also accused of selling merchandise
Southworth, who came out as gay in 2008, has been an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ rights.
He is also a writer and former television presenter who worked on The Remix.
Authorities’ allegations extend beyond his social media posts.
His Holy Menace HQ website appears to have offered merchandise featuring a cartoon mouse alongside the words “Kill Trump.”
Prosecutors are using the alleged posts, messages and other online activity as evidence in the federal case.
Officials warn political threats can lead to prosecution
First Assistant United States Attorney Bill Essayli said authorities had no tolerance for political violence directed at elected officials.
“There is zero tolerance for political violence, especially for threats directed at the President,” Essayli said.
“Threatening an elected official with violence is a serious offense, and you will be arrested and charged as Mr Southworth found out this morning.”
Secret Service and FBI officials also stressed that threats made online can result in criminal prosecution.
Armando Marquez, Special Agent in Charge of the Secret Service’s Los Angeles Field Office, said protecting those under the agency’s protection remained its highest priority.
Patrick Grandy, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office, said cyberstalking and murder threats are not treated as simple political commentary under federal law.
Southworth pleads not guilty
Southworth has pleaded not guilty to the charges and is being held without bond.
If convicted, he could face up to five years in federal prison for threatening the president, another five years for cyberstalking and up to two years for telephonic harassment.
